Carpal tunnel, also known as median neuropathy, occurs when the median nerve grows at the wrist. It is caused by abnormal growth of a nerve in the area of the wrist, usually due to carpal tunnel syndrome, or sindrom Sjogren which is caused by arthritis of the wrist or a herniated disc. Treatment will reduce stress on the median nerve and, in most patients, will eventually eliminate their symptoms permanently.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can affect both men and women, but most often it occurs in people over 50 years of age. The carpal nerve passes through the carpal tunnel. Nine tendons and the median nerve pass through the carpal tunnel. When the carpal nerve is compressed, the median nerve is also compressed. When this happens, the pain can range from mild to very intense. The pain is usually localized around the elbow joint.
If the carpal nerve becomes inflamed, numbness, tingling, weakness and even numbness of hand may occur. These symptoms may increase as the condition worsens, making it hard to perform daily tasks such as typing, using a hand tool, using the computer or even holding a pen. Carpal Tunnel is not life threatening, but if it is left untreated it could become more serious.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is categorized by the pain that occurs in your wrists. Most cases of Carpal Tunnel are classified as non-throbbing. However, some people who suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may experience throbbing, stabbing, shooting and extreme, throbbing, shooting, and burning pain in the wrist. Some of the symptoms include the following: shooting and throbbing pain that radiates to the elbow joint, loss of strength, pain or a sharp burning or itching sensation in the forearm, and numbness of the hand. There may also be weakness, difficulty with fine finger movements, a dull ache, or a feeling of detachment from the wrist. There may also be a shooting pain or tingling in the elbow joint.
Because the carpal nerve travels through the wrist, a doctor may be able to reach the affected part of the carpal nerve with the help of an arthroscope. This device is used to locate and then cut the affected nerve.
Surgery may also be performed to treat the pain. This surgery is known as a Radicular Arthroscopy. The surgeon will use an arthroscope to make an incision near the tendon of the wrist so that the surgeon can remove the carpal nerve.
Options in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel are available. A patient may be given medicine that is taken orally, placed on a splint, or injected into the wrist. In many cases, surgery is done.
Carpal Tunnel can also be treated naturally. Home remedies may also be used. Some herbal supplements, oils, or exercises have shown to reduce pain and numbness. However, the herbal remedies may not be as effective as drugs or surgical procedures. A patient can also take NSAID, muscle relaxers, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Before taking any herbal remedy, it is important for a patient to talk with their physician about its effects and any potential side effects. They may also need to get medical advice from their doctor before trying any herbal remedy.
Surgery is often an option when there is no other choice. Surgery involves cutting a small hole into the wrist. When this happens, the carpal nerve can be moved to the side of the wrist where it is not being damaged. Some surgical procedures may be covered by insurance.
Surgery is often the only option in the case of severe Carpal Tunnel. An x-ray and tests such as a CT scan may be needed to determine whether or not surgery will be effective. Surgery is usually successful in relieving Carpal Tunnel symptoms. It also gives the patient the chance to rest and ease the pain.
Surgery should not be performed if it is determined that Carpal Tunnel is caused by a problem with the tendons or muscles of the wrist. For these cases, other treatments may be recommended. For instance, the doctor may prescribe a brace or splint to be worn for the first few weeks after surgery.