Carpal Tunnel

The carpal tunnel is the space between the carpal bones, which form the carpal groove, and the flexor retinaculum, which spans from the pisiform and hamate bones to the scaphoid and trapezius bones. The flexor tendons of the flexor fingers and the median nerve pass through this canal. Narrowing of the carpal tunnel can lead to compression of the median nerve, which in turn causes symptoms known as carpal tunnel syndrome. This is one of the most common peripheral nerve compressions. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the median nerve distribution, particularly in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. Treatment is primarily conservative, but if ineffective, surgery may be required.

Carpal Tunnel: what is it and how to treat it

The Carpal Tunnel is the space between the bones of the wrist that contains the flexor tendons and the median nerve. Located on the inside of the wrist, the carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum, which extends from the pisiform and hamate bones to the scaphoid and trapezius bones.

When pressure in the carpal tunnel increases, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs, a condition that can lead to numbness, weakness, and pain in the wrist, hand, and fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by repetitive movements of the hands and wrists, such as working on a computer, playing a musical instrument, or playing sports, or by injury or disease such as arthritis.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may include numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the wrist, hand, and fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers. In some cases, the pain can spread up the arm and even up to the shoulder.

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome can be made by a doctor based on symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. In some cases, electromyography, a test that measures muscle and nerve activity in the arm, may be ordered.

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome may include lifestyle changes, such as limiting repetitive movements of the hands and wrists, and exercises to strengthen the muscles in the hands and wrists. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.

If conservative treatment does not help, surgery may be required - an operation that releases the median nerve, reducing pressure in the carpal tunnel. Surgery is usually effective, but recovery time after surgery may be required.

Overall, carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and pain in the wrist, hand, and fingers. Although treatment may take some time, most people with carpal tunnel syndrome are treated successfully with conservative treatments or surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, see your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Carpal Tunel: Why should you be wary of it?

The carpal tunnel is a structural formation located between the bones that form the wrist and the flexor retinaculum. This is a narrow space in which tendons, nerves and ligaments are located. If some processes, for example, a bruise or sprain, begin to occur in this space, serious problems begin.

Most often, carpal tunnel problems occur after injury. However, it is possible that this will develop