Treatment of Nerve Entrapment Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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What is carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as nerve entrapment syndrome? The nerves and flexor tendons that run towards the palm pass through the so-called carpal tunnel at the level of the wrist. This term refers to an anatomical structure that surrounds the flexor tendons of the hand and the median nerve (Nervus medianus) like a tube.
This nerve is primarily responsible for the thumb muscles and the sensation in the three thumb-side fingers. The lower portion of the carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal bones, over which a firm ligament (the flexor retinaculum) spans. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the hand falls asleep and a sensation of numbness develops, particularly in the middle finger and ring finger. The index finger may also be partially affected. The pain can become so severe that those affected wake during the night.
Carpal tunnel syndrome most commonly develops without an external cause. Certain underlying conditions can predispose to its development, including rheumatic diseases, pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, tenosynovitis, and bone fractures. The pain often radiates from the affected fingers up to the forearm, with the dominant hand usually more severely affected.
Various tests must be carried out by a neurologist beforehand to confirm the nerve compression and determine its severity.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as nerve entrapment syndrome?
The nerves and flexor tendons that run towards the palm pass through the so-called carpal tunnel at the level of the wrist. This term refers to an anatomical structure that surrounds the flexor tendons of the hand and the median nerve (Nervus medianus) like a tube.
This nerve is primarily responsible for the thumb muscles and the sensation in the three thumb-side fingers. The lower portion of the carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal bones, over which a firm ligament (the flexor retinaculum) spans. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the hand falls asleep and a sensation of numbness develops, particularly in the middle finger and ring finger. The index finger may also be partially affected. The pain can become so severe that those affected wake during the night.
Carpal tunnel syndrome most commonly develops without an external cause. Certain underlying conditions can predispose to its development, including rheumatic diseases, pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, tenosynovitis, and bone fractures. The pain often radiates from the affected fingers up to the forearm, with the dominant hand usually more severely affected.
Various tests must be carried out by a neurologist beforehand to confirm the nerve compression and determine its severity.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Numbness and tingling in the hand may indicate this condition. Symptoms occur mainly at night and in the morning. This is because people frequently bend their wrists during sleep. Shaking out the hand usually provides temporary relief. If the patient has mild to moderate symptoms, conservative measures such as creams or tablets can alleviate the pain. However, if severe symptoms persist over a prolonged period, surgery should be considered.
Which carpal tunnel operation is the right choice?
For a confirmed diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, either open or endoscopic surgery is appropriate. The hand operation relieves the pressure on the nerve, restoring the space it requires. If the nerve has not yet sustained significant damage, endoscopic surgery is recommended. The practice offers both options. Drawing on many years of experience as a hand surgeon, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome receive expert care throughout.
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome requires prompt action. With both methods, the tingling and pain in the hand usually disappear immediately after the procedure. In open surgery, the carpal ligament is divided through an incision of approximately 2 cm in the palm. If surgery is not performed in time, long-term damage may occur; it is therefore recommended that this procedure be carried out promptly in cases of nerve entrapment syndrome.
Would you like to find out more about the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome?
As with every procedure, we will explain the carpal tunnel syndrome treatment to you in detail during a thorough consultation. Book your professional consultation with Dr. Karl Schuhmann now.
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