Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (KTS)
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a cause of pain in the wrist that occurs when a nerve (median nerve) gets pinched inside the carpal tunnel - which we find on the front of the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to significant pain in the thumb, hand and wrist - which can go beyond grip strength and function.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The main symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are smerte, numbness og idling in thumb, index finger, middle finger and half ring finger. The symptoms are often present and can often be worse at night. The pain can also extend to the forearm and elbow - and can often be exacerbated by other conditions, such as lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow).
Decreased grip strength and muscle loss at the base of the thumb can occur if the condition persists for a long time. Studies have shown that in over 50% of people affected by the diagnosis, both wrists are affected.
Who is affected by carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can affect anyone, but it has been seen that women are more affected than men (3: 1) and especially those aged 45-60. In the United States, it is estimated that as many as 5% of the population have carpal tunnel syndrome to varying degrees.
What are the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Repetitive work with hands and wrists increases the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Examples of such work are computer job, work with vibrating tools (type of drill, etc.) and jobs that require repeated gripping movements by hand (eg masseur). rheumatism og Arthritis also gives higher risk. Pregnants may also be affected by the syndrome.
How to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?
The diagnosis is primarily based on thorough history / history, clinical examinations and special tests. More specific tests to confirm the condition are EMG (electromyography) and imaging diagnostics MRI examination. In the example below you will see how KTS looks on an MRI image.
MRI of carpal tunnel syndrome
MRI of carpal tunnel syndrome
In this axial MRI image, we see fat infiltration and elevated signal around the median nerve. The elevated signal indicates mild inflammation and makes it possible to diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. There are two possible forms of carpal tunnel syndrome - hypervascular edema or nerve ischemia. In the picture above we see an example of hypervascular edema - this is indicated due to elevated signal. By nerve ischemia the signal would be weaker than normal.
How to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?
From a purely research point of view, one should then avoid falling into risk categories. It is therefore recommended to stay at a normal weight and to be physically active. Repetitive work should also be varied or avoided if you notice symptoms that may indicate KTS - and by all means, take the symptoms seriously and seek conservative treatment for the problem.
VIDEO: Exercises against Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
It is also recommended to stretch regularly as shown in these exercises. Among other things, "prayer stretch" is a great exercise that is recommended and done daily.
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome may involve stretching, exercises, muscular work, therapeutic ultrasound, physical therapy, joint mobilization, splintering, steroid injections, NSAIDS and oral intake of steroids. Surgery is considered only the last resort. The new guidelines have departed from stiffeners and recommend rather customized, regular exercise.
- Physical treatment
Treatment for muscles and joints can reduce symptoms and increase mobility.
- Joint mobilization
Movement of joints through the chiropractor, physical therapist or manual therapist can prevent stiffness and increase the function of the wrist. This treatment is often combined with muscular therapy and exercises.
- Medical treatment
Anti-inflammatory painkillers and gabapentin have not shown efficacy against the condition in studies.
- Muscular work
Muscle therapy can increase blood circulation and break down the damage tissue in the area, which can be useful for keeping the function in hand and wrist.
- Operation
An operation of carpal tunnel syndrome involves cutting the ligament that divides space in the carpal tunnel with the median nerve. After all, this ligament has a natural function, and that scar tissue will develop after the operation, so you only perform surgeries as a last resort where other treatment has been tried. It has been seen that although an operation can have an effect for up to 6 months, the symptoms are often similar to that which went without surgery after 12-18 months.
- Pain injection (corticosteroid injection)
Injections may provide temporary relief, but it will not do anything with the very cause of the syndrome. Research has also shown that cortisone can cause long-term side effects.
- Splinting / support / compression glove
En support may have a symptom-relieving effect, but more recent guidelines have moved more and more away from this bracing support - and rather recommended more adapted movement and exercises (feel free to try these exercises).
What can I do even for muscle and joint pain?
1. General exercise, specific exercise, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain limit. Two walks a day of 20-40 minutes make good for the whole body and sore muscles.
2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is no better self help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:
3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.
4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.
5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).
Recommended products for pain relief for muscle and joint pain
Biofreeze (Cold / cryotherapy)
Read more: - 6 Effective Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
NEXT PAGE: - Pain in the wrist? You should know this!
Also read:
FAQ
Q:
-
Hi! Has anyone here had surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome? I have been offered surgery on one hand in the first place, and decided to carry it out. Have read me about complications, results, etc., so I understand this. On the other hand, I wonder how you experienced the operation itself. Since it is done with local anesthesia, I am a little nervous, "squeamish" for this particular part. Of course, it's nice to hear if anyone has general positive experiences to share.
I had surgery in February and was fine after 1 month ???
So good! We really hope that it stays that way - it is very important after an operation that you address the causes of the problem, so that it does not recur. The long-term effect of surgery can unfortunately be lacking, but as long as you do what you can yourself, this will be great. Good luck!
I had surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome exactly 1 year ago now. I struggled a lot with my hand before the operation. Woke up with enormous pain. Had to hit my hand on the wall or something to get the "feeling" back and the pain subsided then. That I underwent this operation is probably one of the best decisions I have made! 😀 That this operation was under local anesthesia was very good! The operation went relatively quickly and I was out again in no time;). They put local anesthesia in the whole area to be operated on and you also get a belt around your arm (at the very top) which stops the blood from coming to your hand while they are operating. The feeling when they removed that tape was incredibly delicious! I'm pretty sure it's going to be VERY good for you. I have a whole new life with my hand now. No bother what so ever :). Good luck.
We are very happy to hear that your operation was so successful, Ida Christine! 🙂 Thank you so much for giving people such good answers - this probably both they (and we) very much appreciate. Have a still nice day! Sincerely, Alexander
Hi Espen here. I have had surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in my left hand. Should take the right oxo. But I have ulinarus oxo on both arms. What I wonder is that the nerve was blue / black discoloration. This can be necrosis and I wonder if this can be good again or do I have a much lower% to be good / better?
Hi Espen, then we have some follow-up questions before we can answer exactly.
1) How long have you been suffering from median nerve compression in your hands? When was it first proven?
2) Do you have muscle loss in the palm of your hand? Is there a 'pit' in the large muscle inside the thumb?
3) Do you have circulatory problems or trouble with cardiovascular disease?
4) How is your sleep quality?
5) What is your age? Older age can result in a lower recovery rate.
1) First neurography 16.01.2014
2) No.
3) Has Raynaud's phenomenon and low blood pressure.
4) Slept poorly over a period of 2 years. Sleeps better now, but wakes up many times due to anesthetic pain in muscles, tendons, joints and back.
5) I am a 40 year old man.