What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a progressive disorder that affects the first three fingers of the hand.

The carpal tunnel is a channel surrounded by bones and connective tissues in the wrist. The median nerve passes through this canal.

Although this syndrome is generally seen in people with narrow wrist canals, it is also seen in people who frequently use their hands in the same movement.

It can be seen as a result of tumors and infections that can put pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can also occur during pregnancy, but it is mostly temporary. It is seen in carpenters, housewives, butchers and people who frequently use computer mice.

In addition, it can be seen in addition to different pathologies such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients generally feel their fingers as swollen, tense and stiff. They wake up at night with a feeling of swelling and numbness in their hands. Then, by waving their hands, they feel temporary relief.

In carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness occurs many times and causes serious sleep disorders in patients. Although rare, hand numbness may extend to the arms, shoulders and neck.

If a physician is not consulted and treatment is not initiated, more pain, neurological losses, loss of strength and movement disorders may occur.

The most frequently used and most accurate method for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome is electromyography (EMG).

There are two treatment methods for carpal tunnel syndrome: conservative and surgical.

Conservative treatment includes physical therapy methods, use of splints and medication.

In physical therapy methods applied for carpal tunnel syndrome; Median nerve mobilization, electrotherapy applications and exercise therapy are included. Apart from standard applications, different methods such as hill therapy and kinesiology taping can also be used.

Surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is applied to patients with advanced neurological deficits. In the post-surgical period, there is a physical therapy process aimed at preventing the restriction of joint range of motion and eliminating muscle atrophy due to rest.