Carpal tunnel syndrome

Median neuropathy in the carpal tunnel produces a slew of symptoms and indicators known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In most cases of CTS, the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist (IMNCT). The term "idiopathic" refers to a condition in which the nerve is being pressed on by no other disease process. A genetic predisposition is the most significant risk factor for this condition.

Wrist fractures and rheumatoid arthritis are two more possible causes of CTS. Swelling, haemorrhage, and deformity all contribute to compression of the median nerve after a fracture. As the synovial lining of the tendon becomes larger, it compresses the tendon.

The most common symptoms are tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Pain without tingling is not typical of IMNCT, despite the fact that it is often reported. It is more likely that the numbness will be characterised as painful because of how severe it is.

When symptoms are most severe, they are more likely to occur at night. As IMNCT progresses, the muscles at the base of the thumb begin to weaken and shrink (atrophy), resulting in a loss of sensation.

There is an increased chance of developing CTS due to work-related variables such as vibration, wrist extension or flexion as well as hand force and repetition. Genetics is the sole known cause of IMNCT. All other potential danger factors are still up for discussion. In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, IMNCT and CTS must be considered independently.

Symptoms and indicators of IMNCT may be used to make a strong case for diagnosis. With electrodiagnostic testing, the IMNCT may be quantified.

Wearing a wrist splint reduces the number of times you wake up in the middle of the night. Although corticosteroids may reduce symptoms better than a simulated (placebo) treatment, there is no way to know for sure. No data exists to suggest that corticosteroid injection affects the disease's normal course, which seems to be a progressive neuropathy.

Transverse carpal ligament surgery is currently the sole recognised therapy for the illness.