The carpine syndrome It is a common and painful neurological disease that affects the daily lives of thousands of people. It is due to the compression of the middle nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow anatomical space on the wrist.
“The problem is more common in women and can be caused by various factors, such as repeated hand use, hormonal changes, inflammation and other underlying diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital to preventing permanent damage, “said Korbakis Ioannis Orthopedic Surgeon, Doctor of Medicine of Athens, Director of the IG Orthopedic Clinic and Metropolitan Clinic and Metropolitan Surgery its symptoms and its treatment:
What are the symptoms
Symptoms of the syndrome are several characteristics and occur gradually, usually affecting the dominant hand. Most often include:
- Night numbness and pain on the first three fingers (thumb, index, average) that can wake up the patient
- Burning sensation (burning) or ants on the palm and fingers
- Inability to capture objects and loss of power in the hand
- Inadvertently falling objects by hand due to reduced sensation and control
- Restricted motility and stiffness, especially in the morning or after intense activity
Symptoms appear to be deteriorating with daily activities such as using mobile phone, typing, holding a book or even driving.
What are the causes of appearance
There are several factors that contribute to the appearance of carpal tunnel syndrome. The most common are:
- Repetitive movements of the hand and wrist (eg typing, use tools, sewing)
- Hormonal changessuch as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or because of thyroid disorders
- Inflammatory diseasessuch as rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause swelling and pressure on the nerve
- Sugary diabetesthat increases the risk of neuropathy
- Obesityas the increased tissue volume on the wrist can push the average nerve
- Injuries to the wristsuch as fractures or dislocations
- Genetic predispositionas carpal tunom anatomy may be hereditary
How is the diagnosis being made
Early diagnosis is vital to the successful treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. It is based on three key elements: medical history, clinical examination and, where necessary, electrodesic examinations.
- Clinical examination
The specialist doctor assesses the patient’s symptoms and applies specific diagnostic tests, such as:- Tinel’s Test: Pressure in the medium nerve of the wrist, which causes a feeling of numbness or an eye on hand.
- Phalen’s test: Bending the wrist for a minute, which can reproduce the characteristic symptoms of the syndrome.
- Electrode -diagnostic exams
When the diagnosis is not clear or a confirmation is required, special exams are used, such as:- Electromyogram (EMG): Measures muscle function and evaluates the electrical conductivity of the average nerve
- Neurophysiological tests: Help assess the gravity of the disease and distinguish from other neurological disorders
With the correct diagnosis, the patient may receive appropriate treatment in time, avoiding the deterioration of symptoms.
How can it be treated
The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. In the early stages, that is, when the symptoms have occurred for only a few weeks, it can be applied and effectively conservative treatment, which includes:
- Night use narthexthat keeps the wrist in a neutral position, reducing the pressure on the nerve
- Anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to reduce pain and inflammation
- Physiotherapy and stretching exercises to avoid deterioration of symptoms
While in more severe cases where symptoms exist for months or even years is treated surgically.
When is surgical treatment needed
“The most common concern for patients after surgery is the possibility of reappearance of the problem. However, modern surgical treatment, when performed by a specialized surgeon and adapted to the needs of each patient, offers a permanent solution.
The procedure can be done either by open or by endoscopic technique, with the aim of cutting the transverse ligament that pushes the average nerve. It is a short and safe process that allows for immediate relief from symptoms and return to daily activities within a few weeks.
Recovery is rapid, lasting only a few days. The patient may move his hand normally from the first moment, with the only restriction not to get the incision to be fully healing, ”concludes Mr Korbakis.