Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Wrist Nerve Disorders

Carpal tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neurological disorder that occurs when the nerves in the wrist get excessive pressure. This condition makes the hands and fingers of the sufferer feel pain, tingling, or numb

The carpal tunnel is a narrow canal inside the wrist that is formed from the ligaments and carpal bones. Inside this tunnel there is the wrist nerve (median nerve) and the tendon that connects the muscle to the joint (tendon).

Performing repetitive movements that put excessive pressure on the wrist can make the median nerve swell and trigger carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition can happen to anyone, but women are more susceptible to it because they have smaller carpal tunnel sizes

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The median nerve plays a role in giving and transmitting commands to and from the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. This nerve can be compressed due to excessive repetitive movements, such as typing, doing strenuous sports, and playing games for too long.

The risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome will increase in people who have the following factors:

1. The shape of the wrist

A broken or displaced bone (dislocation) in the wrist can cause a change in the size of the carpal tunnel. This condition can compress the median nerve that is in it and cause carpal tunnel syndrome

In addition, people who have smaller carpal tunnels are also more prone to experiencing this syndrome.

2. Gender

Women usually have smaller carpal tunnel sizes than men. This condition makes women 3 times more susceptible to experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome

Women who are pregnant are also more susceptible to this syndrome due to hormonal changes that can cause swelling throughout the body. If swelling occurs in the wrist, the median nerve and tendons can be compressed, causing carpal tunnel syndrome

3. Diabetes

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of nerve damage. This condition, called diabetic neuropathy, can occur when blood sugar levels are out of control, making it debilitating to the point of damaging the nerves

Although diabetic neuropathy is more common in the feet, it can also occur in the wrists. When damage occurs to the nerves in the wrist, the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome increases

4. Inflammation

Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Inflammation of the joints will cause a reduction in the size of the carpal tunnel, so that the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome also increases

5. Work environment

Performing repetitive activities that involve the wrist can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This is because constant movement of the wrist puts pressure on the carpal tunnel and compresses the median nerve and tendons.

In addition, working in a very cold room for long hours also increases the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Working in a cold room makes blood vessels constrict, thereby affecting the median nerve.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome can feel symptoms in one hand or both hands. Some of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that arise are:

• Pain
• Numb
• Tingling
• Fingers feel like they are swelling

If it gets worse, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs causing the following conditions:

• Hands go limp
• Difficulty doing daily activities due to tingling or intense pain
• Difficulty grasping objects

The pain in the wrist will get worse at night. This can happen because the sufferer can accidentally bend the wrist while sleeping

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with or without surgery, depending on the severity and condition of each sufferer. The following are some carpal tunnel syndrome treats:

Handling without surgery

Treatment without surgery is the first step in carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in cases that are mild or do not interfere with activities. The no-op handler can be:

• Using a wrist guard
• Cold compresses on sore wrists
• Avoid activities that cause wrist pain
• Adjusting the position of the keyboard and sitting position when typing, as well as changing the position of the wrist during activities
• Take painkillers
• Consuming corticosteroid drugs
• Conducting therapy, both physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Do complementary therapies, including chiropractic, acupuncture, and acupressure

Handling with surgery

If carpal tunnel syndrome does not improve with the treatments previously mentioned, the doctor will suggest surgery to treat this condition. Surgery is also recommended if the symptoms of this syndrome interfere with daily activities

The goal of surgery is to widen the carpal tunnel to relieve pressure on the median nerve and tendons. This procedure is performed by making an incision in the wrist. Then, the ligament at the bottom of the wrist will be cut to increase the size of the carpal tunnel.

Although there is no proven way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, sufferers can reduce pressure on the wrist by taking the following steps:

• Take a break from activities that involve the wrist
• Adjusting body position during activity
• Improve posture
• Keeps hands warm
• Try to keep your wrists straight while sleeping
• Avoid bending the wrist continuously

If you don't get the right treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome can interfere with activities, including the hand being unable to hold something. In very severe cases, this syndrome can cause permanent nerve damage. If you experience symptoms that lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, check with your doctor to get the appropriate treatment.

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