Compression of the median nerve causes a tingling sensation, pain, and numbness in the forearm and hand. This condition is called carpal tunnel syndrome. In some cases, this issue deteriorates as time passes and may lead to a stage where a sensation in the hand is lost specifically in fingers and permanent weakness in the hand overcomes. So get it treated right away by the best orthopedic doctor.
Relation of carpal tunnel and median nerve
The carpal tunnel is almost an inch in width. Smaller wrist bones known as carpal bones form this narrow passage. The median nerve is the main nerve that moves down the upper arm, crosses the elbow, enters the forearm, and travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist reaching the hand and fingers. On its way the medial nerve branches into smaller nerves specifically in the palm of a hand. It gives sensation to the hand and fingers.
How does it happen?
According to an orthopedic surgeon in Lahore when the passage for the medial nerve is narrowed or tendons that are also passing along with the medial nerve through this pathway swell, carpal tunnel syndrome happens. Such conditions put pressure on the median nerve limiting its blood supply.
Reason behind this
According to research, women and old age people are subject more to this syndrome. However, several factors could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome that includes:
- The inherited issue, as in some people’s carpal tunnel may be a bit narrow by birth or some anatomical differences alter the space of this passage.
- Repetitive use of the hand or indulging in activities that involve repetition of the same motion for a long time irritates wrist tendons. This causes tendons to swell, putting pressure on the median nerve.
- Prolonged extension or stretching of the hand and wrist may also increase pressure on the median nerve.
- Hormonal changes while pregnancy also sometimes swells the tendons along the medial nerve thus increasing pressure on the nerve.
- Poor health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, imbalanced functioning of the thyroid gland, and diabetes may also become a reason for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Possible signs
Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome experience the following symptoms:
- Numbness
- Shock-like sensations in fingers that are occasional
- Tingling sensation
- Pain that may lead to shoulder and forearm as well.
- Hand feels weak
- Dropping things from hand due to numbness and weakness.
As per the best orthopedic doctor, in the beginning symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome come and go. The condition develops gradually from mild to severe if ignored.
Diagnosis by the best orthopedic doctor
Various physical examinations along with a discussion about your health condition are conceived by an orthopedic surgeon in Lahore when you visit for this concern. He will ponder your health history and the symptoms you experience.
Physical test
He or she may press the median nerve passing through your palm to observe if it arises a tingling sensation in the fingers. Your wrist in a bend position may be tested for tingling sensation or numbness in the hands. A special instrument is used to check the sensitivity in your hand and fingers with your eyes closed.
Imaging tests
- An electrophysiological test is conducted to see how well your median nerve is working and the pressure built over it. This test comprises nerve conduction studies i.e. NCS and Electromyogram i.e. EMG to study electrical activity in muscles.
- Ultrasound to check the pressure on the median nerve due to surrounding soft tissues.
- X-rays are recommended to rule out other reasons that may occur due to bone damage.
- MRI gives a much clearer internal image revealing the condition of bones and muscles in detail.
Treatment plan
The best orthopedic doctor suggests patients in the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome ease symptoms by:
- Wearing a splint on the wrist
- Exercising the hand to release the pressure over a nerve
- Stop doing activities that aggravate the condition
- Injecting steroids into the carpal tunnel relieves pain and inflammation.
As carpal tunnel syndrome arises gradually, improving the condition at its earliest is better because delay could worsen the symptoms leading to permanent nerve damage.
In case non-surgical treatments fail to provide a cure, surgery is the solution. Visit the orthopedic surgeon in Lahore to get diagnosed and discuss whether surgery is appropriate for you or not. Your doctor will examine the severity of the issue, examine your health, check your response to non-surgical treatments, and refer to test reports to see if you are the best candidate for surgery. Surgical procedures release pressure over the median nerve by cutting off the transverse carpal ligament. This increases space for the median nerve, improves blood flow, and decreases pressure. The procedure can be done through two methods which include:
- Open carpal tunnel release
In open surgery, a cut is made over the palm and internal parts are viewed through the naked eye, and the ligament forming the roof of the carpal tunnel is divided into two.
- Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
This method uses a device called an endoscope with a camera and light that is inserted through a small incision and surgical tools through another small incision. The whole procedure is conducted by looking at the real-time internal video displayed on the computer screen nearby.
In both techniques the aim is the same which is to make room for the median nerve by cutting the ligament. The ligament grows back gradually afterward but leaves enough space for the median nerve so that it doesn’t press anymore.
Last note
Carpal tunnel syndrome worsens gradually with time so be quick to consult the best orthopedic doctor to stop this issue from progressing at its earliest. After the surgery be attentive to listen to the guidelines by your consultant and follow them for quick recovery. Elevate your hand to avoid swelling and try to move your fingers and wrist as per your therapist’s instructions. This will keep away stiffness and improve joint movement. Good thing is that you will observe a dramatic improvement in your condition within the first week after surgery.
