Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) happens when the median nerve in your wrist gets compressed as it passes through a narrow passage called the carpal tunnel with transverse carpal ligament as a roof. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is often linked with repetitive hand and wrist movements.
Risk Factors and Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Heredity: This is likely an important factor. The carpal tunnel may be naturally smaller in some people, or there may be anatomic differences that change the amount of space for the nerve — and these traits can run in families.
- Repetitive hand use: Repeating the same hand and wrist motions or activities over a prolonged period of time may aggravate the tendons in the wrist, causing swelling that puts pressure on the nerve.
- Hand and wrist position: Doing activities that involve extreme flexion or extension of the hand and wrist for a prolonged period of time can increase pressure on the nerve.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause swelling that results in pressure on the nerve.
- Health conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid gland imbalance are conditions that are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Feeling numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger
- Weakness in your hand, making it difficult to hold onto things
- Persistent pain or discomfort in your wrist, palm or forearm
- Carpal tunnel symptoms often worsen at night, making sleep difficult
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Electrodiagnostic Tests
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyogram (EMG) used to determine if there is excessive pressure on the median nerve
- Ultrasound
- Utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce images of bones and tissues
- An ultrasound of the wrist may be suggested to detect signs of median nerve compression, evaluate the median nerve for signs of compression.
- X-ray
- Captures images of dense structures like bones
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Provides detailed images of soft tissues
Treatments of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Mild to moderate cases of CTS can benefit from:
● Wearing a wrist splint while sleeping to ease pressure on the nerve
● Taking medications NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain.
● Exercise such as nerve gliding exercises to strengthen hands and wrists muscles
● Adjusting your workspace to be more ergonomic, like using a comfortable keyboard and mouse or taking breaks often to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome
● Corticosteroids injections into the carpal tunnel to reduce swelling and provide temporary symptom relief
Revolutionizes Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery with Innovative WALANT Technique
In severe carpal tunnel syndrome cases where conservative treatments fail, carpal tunnel surgery may be necessary. Prince Court Medical Centre is proud to introduce an innovative approach called Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique. This method:
- Offers precise and controlled carpal tunnel syndrome surgery without the need for general (full body) anaesthesia
- Minimizes risk of complications compared to traditional surgical approaches
- Shortens recovery time and lessens post-operative discomfort
By embracing WALANT, Prince Court Medical Centre reaffirms its commitment to delivering cutting-edge care, ensuring optimal outcomes and improved patient experience.
Take the First Step Towards Relief Today
At Prince Court Medical Centre in Malaysia, we know how frustrating carpal tunnel syndrome can be. That’s why we offer advanced treatments like the WALANT approach and customised non-surgical options to suit your needs.
Our orthopaedic surgeons are here to provide expert, personalised care to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and get back to living your best life. Ready to start feeling better? Schedule a consultation today!
