8 Natural solutions and treatment methods for carpal tunnel syndrome

Treatment methods Carpal tunnel syndrome: The carpal tunnel is a channel in the area of the carpus that is bounded by bone and connective tissue. It is located on the inside of the wrist and the carpus, covered by a firm band of connective tissue called the carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum). Tendons and the median nerve, which is responsible for the sensitivity and mobility of the ball of the thumb and certain areas of the hand, run through this tunnel.

If the tissue in the carpal tunnel swells, the median nerve can come under pressure and cause carpal tunnel syndrome. These symptoms often disappear on their own, but can also last longer. There are various treatment options to bring relief.

Graphic: Illustration of the carpal tunnel and the nerves of the hand - The carpal tunnel and the nerves of the hand

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms occur when the tissue in the carpal tunnel swells and this increases the pressure on the median nerve.

The following symptoms can occur with carpal tunnel syndrome:

Sensory disturbances: Parts of the hand feel numb or tingling (formication). This typically affects the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers (marked darker in the diagram). The first characteristic sign is when one hand falls asleep at night.

Finger pain: Occasionally, pain occurs in the entire hand or radiating pain into the arm.

These symptoms usually occur at night or in the morning. It often affects both hands, but not necessarily at the same time. The symptoms often improve when the hand is shaken.

Causes

It is often not known exactly why the tissue swells. Overloading and incorrect loading could play a role, such as heavy pressure on the wrist, excessive extension or flexion of the wrist and one-sided activities that are associated with strong vibrations, such as working with a jackhammer.

For many sufferers, the symptoms worsen under such strain. Whether these strains can actually cause carpal tunnel syndrome remains unclear. It is often assumed that working at a computer increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, studies to date indicate that the influence of computer work is rather small.

Certain diseases can promote the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as rheumatism, diabetes mellitus, injuries in the wrist area and repeated inflammation of the tendon sheaths. The risk is also slightly increased during pregnancy, as more fluid accumulates in the tissue during this time.

Sudden, severe symptoms are rare. Such "acute carpal tunnel syndrome" is usually caused by inflammation, injury or bleeding in the wrist.

Frequency

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 70. It is extremely rare in children. Women suffer more frequently than men. People who work physically are also affected more frequently. It is estimated that 3 out of 1000 people develop carpal tunnel syndrome each year.

Progression

Some people have only mild symptoms that come and go over the years. It is estimated that in around a third of those affected, these symptoms disappear within six months, even without treatment. Others suffer from permanent problems. As the disease progresses, the hand can become permanently numb. In the later stages, muscle atrophy can occur in the ball of the thumb. When strength and feeling diminish, it can become difficult to grip a cup properly, for example.

Diagnosis

The doctor will first ask about the symptoms and carry out an examination of the hand and wrist. Special tests are carried out to check the mobility and sensitivity of the hand and fingers and to determine whether there is any loss of sensation or discomfort.

If necessary, electrophysiological tests such as electroneurography may be required to determine whether carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause of the symptoms. These tests measure how well nerves can transmit electrical impulses and whether nerve function is impaired. The results of these tests are considered together with the symptoms, physical examination, circumstances and medical history.

It is also important to rule out other causes of the disease. For example, changes in the cervical spine can affect the nerve roots. Other diseases of the nervous system such as polyneuropathies can cause similar symptoms.

8 Treatment methods for carpal tunnel syndrome

1) Mild to moderate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can usually be treated initially with a splint. This is worn at night and prevents the wrist from buckling. It is also recommended,

2. avoid strains that are thought to be related to the symptoms.

3. cortisone injections into the carpal tunnel can provide temporary relief, but have no lasting effect in the long term.

4. if carpal tunnel syndrome persists, surgery may be considered. This involves cutting the carpal ligament, which stretches over the carpal bones. This relieves the pressure on the median nerve. Surgery can permanently eliminate the symptoms, but is not always advisable. As a rule, a different treatment is initially chosen at the beginning of the disease. Rapid surgery is normally only necessary in the rare case of acute carpal tunnel syndrome.

5 There is evidence that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) can alleviate the symptoms somewhat. In this therapy, a device emits sound waves at high pressure from the outside through the skin. The costs of this treatment are not usually covered by statutory health insurance.

6 Occasionally, other treatments are also recommended, such as acupuncture, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy or magnetic field therapy. However, there is no clear evidence that they can help with carpal tunnel syndrome.

7. many people take painkillers to relieve the discomfort, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are available over the counter in pharmacies. Sometimes it is also recommended to take vitamin B6 supplements, as they are said to strengthen the nerves. However, studies to date indicate that neither NSAIDs nor vitamin B6 can sufficiently alleviate the pain.

8. curpal® offers an innovative and gentle alternative to the conventional treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. It enables patients to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life without having to undergo surgery. You can find more information about curpal® and its application on the official website: https://www.curpal.de/produkt/curpal/

Sources:

1. focus.online - https://unternehmen.focus.de/karpaltunnelsyndrom-symptome.html

2. Ärzteblatt.de - https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/188575/Karpaltunnelsyndrom-Manuelle-Therapie-ist-ueber-ein-Jahr-so-wirksam-wie-OP