Tunnel syndrome (carpal tunnel syndrome)
A disease that occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the wrist area. It develops due to chronic overexertion or injury to the wrist joint.
Tunnel syndrome occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the narrow carpal canal of the wrist. This nerve is responsible for the sensitivity of the fingers and the movement of some muscles of the hand. With chronic overstrain of the tendons or inflammation of the surrounding tissues, the space in the canal narrows, which leads to nerve compression. The disease can develop gradually, starting with mild discomfort and numbness of the fingers. Over time, the symptoms worsen, with pain, weakness in the hand, and difficulty performing daily tasks. To prevent tunnel syndrome, it is important to monitor the load on your wrist, especially if your activity involves monotonous movements. Regular breaks, arm exercises and the use of orthoses will help reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Causes
Chronic overexertion of the wrist joint (monotonous movements, static load)
Wrist injuries (fractures, dislocations, bruises)
Inflammatory diseases (arthritis, tendovaginitis)
Diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, hypothyroidism
Tumors of the median nerve or surrounding tissues
Congenital anomalies of the wrist structure
Symptoms
Numbness of the fingers, especially the thumb, index finger and middle finger
Tingling or burning sensation in the hand, worse at night
Pain in the wrist extending to the forearm
Weakness in the hand, difficulty holding objects
Skin color change to a lighter one
In the later stages, muscle atrophy and deformity of the hand
After-effects
If left untreated, tunnel syndrome can lead to serious complications. Constant compression of the nerve causes permanent damage, which leads to loss of sensitivity and weakness in the hand, making it difficult to perform daily tasks.
Лечение
Conservative treatment
In the early stages, tunnel syndrome can be treated without surgery. The basic approach involves fixing the wrist with an orthosis, which holds the hand in a physiological position and reduces pressure on the nerve. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections are used directly into the carpal canal. The doctor may prescribe physical therapy aimed at stretching and strengthening the muscles of the forearm and hand. Patients are advised to avoid actions that worsen their symptoms.
Surgical treatment
If conservative methods fail or the disease progresses, surgery is performed. The surgical intervention is aimed at decompression of the median nerve by dissecting the transverse ligament of the wrist. The operation can be performed either in an open way or using endoscopic techniques, which minimizes injury. After surgery, the symptoms usually decrease immediately, and it may take several months to fully recover.
Schedule a visit to the clinic
How to reach
Moscow, 1st Yamskogo Polya Street, 15
Mon–Sun Around the clock
+7 495 255-50-03
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Zamoskvoretskaya line - exit 4 After exiting the subway, walk through the pedestrian tunnel and climb the stairs. Move towards the railway tracks, go down the stairs immediately after them and walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS.
Travel time
9 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Ring line - exit 2. After exiting the subway, turn left and walk to the pedestrian crossing. Cross the road through two pedestrian crossings and move along the Tverskoy overpass. Go down the stairs immediately after the railway tracks, walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS
Travel time
11 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign