The carpal tunnel is a canal in the wrist, through which the tendons that provide finger movements and the median nerve, which is responsible for the movement and sensation of some of the fingers, pass. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of the compression of the median nerve in this canal due to various reasons.
It can be seen in people who make repetitive and compelling wrist movements, computer users, musicians, those who work with hand tools, those who do sports with a lot of wrist movement, drivers and housewives, those who are obese, diabetic, hypothyroid or rheumatic disease, and pregnant women. Carpal tunnel syndrome that occurs during pregnancy may improve after delivery.
It starts with numbness, tingling and loss of sensation in the first 3.5 fingers of the hand, pain that can be seen in the fingers, wrist and arm. Complaints increase especially at night. If it is progressive, fatigue in hand and finger movements, decrease in grip strength and pain may spread to the arm.
Nerve conduction is tested with an EMG test for diagnosis, treatment varies according to the severity of the compression. Splint, drug therapy, physical therapy applications, laser, mesotherapy, perineural injections, special exercises are applied. In very advanced cases, it is directed to surgery.
