Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Discover the treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Dr. Kewal Gangrade, a Renowned Orthopedic Surgeon in Bhopal.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery is a common procedure aimed at relieving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. This nerve provides sensation to parts of the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, as well as controlling some small muscles at the base of the thumb. When compressed, it can cause discomfort, tingling, and numbness in the hand. Without treatment, this can result in permanent nerve damage. Seeing Dr. Kewal Gangrade in Bhopal for Carpal Tunnel Therapy will help lessen these symptoms and stop more issues.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Usually manifesting gradually, the symptoms might include:
- All of your fingers—aside from the little finger—feel numb, tingly, or painful.
- Pain might keep you awake, as many people sleep with their wrists curled during the night.
- Feeling of electric shock at the fingertips
- Diminished feeling in the fingers
- Difficulty performing daily tasks, such as brushing your teeth
- Clutching a book, coffee drink, newspaper, or steering wheel
- Using the computer keyboard to write
- Hand weakness that causes items to be dropped
- Loss of grip strength, making it difficult to button a shirt.
The muscles close to the base of the thumb may weaken and lose their form if this problem is left untreated.
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Which elements have a role in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome involves addressing various factors contributing to the compression of nerves within the wrist’s carpal tunnel. This condition arises from a combination of elements, such as the structure of carpal bones and ligaments, which create the tunnel through which the median nerve and tendons pass. Measures to alleviate symptoms may include interventions targeting the narrowing of this space, along with addressing associated ailments.
- Swelling brought on by injuries or trauma to the wrist
- Abnormalities of the hand or wrist
- For example, using a computer keyboard and mouse or vibrating equipment demands prolonged, repeated hand and wrist motions.
- Retaining fluids during menopause or pregnancy
- Ailments such as:
- Excessive pituitary activity
- Thyroid gland under activity
- Arthritis rheumatoid
- Renal failure
- Diabetes
- Cyst or tumor in the canal
- Drugs
How is the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome made?
A premature diagnosis can prevent further degeneration of the median nerve. The following are a few signs of carpal tunnel syndrome:
Medical history: In the patient’s medical history, inquiries may focus on activities triggering symptoms, such as holding objects like newspapers or phones, and whether pain disrupts sleep.
Physical assessment: During the physical examination, the doctor assesses for signs such as tenderness, swelling in wrist, or warmth in the wrist and fingers. Special tests may be conducted to reproduce symptoms and assist in diagnosis, as discomfort often occurs when bending the wrist or applying pressure to the nerve. Additionally, examinations of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck may be performed to rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
Tests for Electrodiagnostic Procedures: Doctors use electrodiagnostic procedures to measure the electrical activity of nerves and muscles. This helps assess how much the median nerve has been affected.
X-ray: To eliminate other potential causes like arthritis or injury, a doctor might recommend an X-ray.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound can determine if the median nerve is larger than normal.
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Dr. Kewal Gangrade, an Orthopedic Doctor in Bhopal, tailors the treatment based on how severe the condition is. Initially, he opted for non-surgical therapies. If these methods don’t alleviate symptoms or prevent permanent nerve damage, he may suggest surgical options.
Non-surgical treatment
Changes to your activity level: The doctor might suggest steering clear of activities that exacerbate your symptoms. This could help slow down the advancement of the condition.
Splinting or bracing the wrist: Keeping your wrist straight while sleeping can alleviate pressure on the nerve. This practice is also beneficial during daily activities that may trigger your symptoms.
Medicines: Taking medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen) can ease pain and inflammation. Steroid injections, like cortisone, directly into the carpal tunnel can also provide temporary relief from uncomfortable symptoms.
Activities: Specific exercises that facilitate smooth movement of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel could be beneficial.
Surgical Treatment
The most common surgical procedure suggested for carpal tunnel syndrome by Dr. Kewal Gangrade is the carpal tunnel release, which involves cutting the ligament that is pressing on the nerve. There are two methods for performing this surgery.
Open-release surgery: This traditional method involves making an incision in the wrist and then cutting the ligament.
Endoscopic procedures: This procedure involves making a small incision through which a camera and tubing are inserted to aid in observation. A small knife is inserted through the tube to cut the ligament and reduce pressure on the nerve.
How may carpal tunnel syndrome be avoided?
Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome can be challenging due to various factors in daily life that can contribute to it. However, adopting the following measures may help lower your risk of developing the condition:
- Doing stretches both before and after an activity
- Maintaining straight wrists when using tools and sleeping
- Refraining from repeatedly bending and stretching your wrists
- letting go of your hold
- Taking quick, regular pauses
- Taking better posture
- Keeping your hands warm
FAQs
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where there’s increased pressure on the median nerve as it passes through a narrow passageway in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. This can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or other problems in the hand.
Physiotherapy provides effective relief for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and associated orthopedic and neurological symptoms. Customized treatment plans address the underlying causes, incorporating a variety of therapies and modalities. Once significant improvement is achieved, Dr. Kewal Gangarade, an orthopedic surgeon in Bhopal, recommends lifestyle adjustments and daily exercise to prevent recurrence.
Common treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist splinting, medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids), physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery.
Wrist splinting helps keep your wrist in a neutral position, relieving pressure on the median nerve and reducing symptoms such as numbness and tingling. It is often worn at night or during activities that aggravate symptoms.
Bhopal-based Physician Dr. Kewal Gangrade may suggest carpal tunnel surgery if symptoms don’t go away after trying non-invasive therapies. By severing the ligament that creates the carpal tunnel’s ceiling, this surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve.