Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the median nerve, which passes through the wrist via a narrow passage called the carpal tunnel.
This nerve controls sensation and movement in parts of the hand, including the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
When the median nerve is compressed or pinched within the tunnel, symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist may occur.

Symptoms:
Symptoms often begin gradually and may include numbness or tingling in the fingers, especially at night or upon waking.
As the condition worsens, these symptoms can become more frequent and persistent, leading to decreased grip strength and difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or picking up small objects.

Causes:
Carpal tunnel syndrome can have several causes, including repetitive hand and wrist movements, medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, wrist injuries, fluid retention during pregnancy, and obesity.
In some cases, the condition may be hereditary, with individuals naturally having a narrower carpal tunnel.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and specific tests such as electromyography (EMG) and ultrasound.
These tests help evaluate the function of the median nerve and determine the severity of the compression.

Treatments:
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms.
In the early stages, conservative measures like wrist splints, activity modification, and physical therapy can be effective.
Corticosteroid injections may also be used to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.

For more severe or persistent cases, surgery may be needed to decompress the median nerve.
Carpal tunnel surgery is highly effective and can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, leading to faster recovery and significant symptom relief.

At the Handclinic, under the care of Dr. Marco Guidi, we use advanced technologies and a personalized approach to accurately diagnose and treat carpal tunnel syndrome, helping our patients restore full hand and wrist function and overall well-being.