Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that most people are familiar with. According to a report from 2022 by Penn Highlands Healthcare System more than 16,9 million Americans suffer carpal tunnel syndrome each year.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is not entirely avoidable if you are predisposed to it. Stretching your fingers and wrists can slow down or stop progression of carpal tunnel syndrome, but it cannot be prevented.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated effectively, and often non-surgically, with conservative methods. In the event that a patient needs surgery, this is usually a simple, outpatient procedure with local anesthesia, and a light sedation. The procedure lasts between five and ten minutes. In most cases, the only restriction after surgery is that the patient can’t lift more than 10 pounds during the healing period.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
The carpal canal, which is made up of the median nerve, nine tendons, and the forearm, controls the finger movements. The hand can experience numbness or tingling when the nerve becomes compressed. The four main symptoms are: numbness, tingling, pain and/or weakness.
A simple physical examination can be used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. Electrodiagnostic studies and other tests can also be done to determine the severity of the problem, as well as to rule out any other possible causes.
What Are Two Conditions That Are Commonly Misdiagnosed With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be a common condition. However, similar symptoms affecting the hands may also be caused by another condition. Rheumatoid arthritis and tendonitis are two conditions that can be misdiagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Rheumatoid arthritis vs Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This autoimmune condition causes inflammation, pain and joint damage. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often mistaken for this condition because they have very similar symptoms. These include discomfort, weakness and tingling in the hands and wrists, as well as reduced function and morning stiffness.
The symptoms of rheumatoid and carpal syndrome are different primarily because they occur in different places. Rheumatoid arthritis can start in small joints, such as the wrists and hands. However, it may affect any joint. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects only the hands and wrists. Rheumatoid arthritis, unlike carpal-tunnel syndrome, is a chronic systemic condition that can affect many organs in the body. This includes joints, skin and eyes, as well as the heart and lungs. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the hands and wrists, but rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that can affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin, eyes, heart, and lungs.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome vs Tendonitis
Tendonitis can also cause symptoms that are similar to those of carpal tunnel syndrome. Tendonitis is caused by inflammation of the tendons at the wrist or in the hand. This can cause pain, swelling and a limited range motion. These symptoms are similar to those of carpal tunnel syndrome, including pain, weakness and reduced function.
The location and presentation are slightly different between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and tendonitis. Tendonitis is usually characterized by localized pain in the area of the affected tendon, which can be aggravated with certain movements. Carpal tunnel syndrome, on the other hand, affects mainly the fingers and palm of the hand. It is often worse at night and during repetitive wrist or hand movements.
Due to the similarity of their symptoms, these are only two of many conditions that can be misdiagnosed. Consult an orthopaedic expert for a diagnosis and treatment.
What Are Some of the Most Common Activities Which Cause Carpal Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is also associated with prolonged wrist flexion. This occurs when the wrist is flexed for long periods of time, especially in an incorrect position. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also linked to prolonged wrist flexion. Keeping the wrist flexed, especially in an incorrect position, can cause pressure inside the carpal canal and compress the median nerve. It is common for people who work at computers for long periods of time to experience this problem.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by using vibrating tools and machines, performing forceful hand movements such as heavy lifting and playing sports that require a lot of hand strength. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in sports such as handball, bodybuilding and rowing.
What can I do to prevent carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome is difficult. Factors such as trauma, medical conditions and injuries can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by genetics, which increases your risk of developing it from everyday activities. While it can’t be avoided completely, you can mitigate its progression and development.
Stretch your wrists and hands regularly before, during and after repetitive tasks.
Stretching regularly can improve wrist strength and relieve pressure in the carpal tunnel. To reduce inflammation, it is a good idea for you to take frequent breaks when doing activities that require repetitive wrist and hands movements.
When using tools or a computer, maintain ergonomic wrist and hand positions.
It is important to do this if you use the keyboard and mouse a lot. Some keyboards and mice are designed to promote a natural wrist and hand position. This reduces the risk of inflammation and nerve compression.
Wear wrist splints at night, particularly.
Most people associate carpal tunnel syndrome with movement. However, their sleeping position can have an important influence on the development of this condition. The elbows and wrists flex during sleep, which puts pressure on the carpal nerve. Upon waking, this can lead to tingling, pain and weakness. A wrist splint will help to keep the wrist in neutral and relieve pressure on the median nervous.
What is the Best Way to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Without Surgery?
Early diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome allows for conservative treatment such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid shots, and wrist splinting to prevent the nerve from becoming compressed. The longer you suffer from symptoms, the greater the likelihood that you will need surgery. If left untreated, nerve damage may occur.
Open release and endoscopy are the two main surgical methods for treating carpal tunnel syndrome if surgery is required. The main difference between the two is the size of incision. Both relieve pressure on the median nervous. The open-release procedure is usually recommended for severe carpal tunnel syndrome cases and requires a large incision. Both procedures are outpatient and patients can resume some light activity within a week.
Consult an orthopedic surgeon to discuss your options and assess the risks and benefits of each surgery.
What should I do when I suspect I have carpal tunnel syndrome
First rule: Do not wait. Consult a specialist.
Early intervention is crucial to effectively managing carpal syndrome. The right diagnosis will lead you on the path to improved functionality and pain relief. Call orthopedics to schedule an appointment if you experience persistent numbness or tingling in your hands and wrists.
