Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a relatively common work-related ailment. The group at a particular risk of developing this condition includes typists and computer workers (especially those who type without hand support), predisposed to injuries and an overload that cause compression of the nerves passing through the wrist. Other confirmed contributing factors include: diabetes, kidney diseases, pregnancy, joint diseases, alcoholism, obesity, etc. Pain of low intensity is experienced by most people from the risk groups. The good news is that as many as 90% of persons with mild carpal tunnel syndrome recover completely after receiving treatment.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway that is surrounded by ligaments and tiny bones of the wrist. Muscles and bones are connected by tendons, which also transmit muscle movement (in this case to the thumb and the first three fingers). The nerve that transmits stimuli between the palm and the spinal cord also passes through the carpal tunnel. Overused and traumatized tendons may become swollen, increasing pressure on the nerve in the carpal tunnel and causing pain, numbness and tingling.
Symptoms
- numbness, pain and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and sometimes in the ring finger as well. These symptoms appear when we perform manual tasks and often intensify at night
- weakening of the thumb muscle
- pain radiating from the hand, through the forearm and arm, and even to the shoulder
- finger hypaesthesia
Treatment
If left untreated, the disease may significantly reduce the mechanical functions of the hand, and consequently lead to incapacity for work.
- immobilizing and stiffening the wrist to protect the nerve from compression
- avoiding activities and movements that may overload the wrist
- oral drugs and injections to ease swelling
- physiotherapy
- when conservative therapy fails to relieve the symptoms, it may be necessary to perform a surgery to reduce pressure on the carpal tunnel
The surgical procedure consists of making an incision in the flexor retinaculum of the wrist, which forms the "roof" of the carpal tunnel. The surgeon makes a 3-4 cm incision in the hand.
Prevention
- warming up the hand and fingers before work
- taking breaks during work to relax and rest the hand
- avoiding repetitive movements of the hand
- creating a healthy computer workstation - it should be equipped with an adjustable table, a swivel chair and a wrist pad.
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