WHAT IS THE CARPAL TUNNEL?

The carpal tunnel is located in the lower part of the wrist, through which a nerve passes that branches out into the first three fingers of the hand. When pressure is applied to this nerve, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome occur.

This nerve is both sensory and motor, transmitting information from most of the fingers to the brain while also controlling the muscles of the hand and fingers, including the thumb. Pressure on the nerve can lead to several processes, such as thickening of the tendons, swelling in the carpal tunnel area, or even narrowing of the tunnel itself.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically depend on the duration and severity of the pressure on the nerve and develop gradually.

Second symptom, sometimes patients complain of swelling of the fingers and hands, even though the swelling is not actually present. The hand becomes less mobile, and the patient notices that he cannot firmly and securely grasp small objects or perform other types of work.

Third symptom is atrophy of the muscles, especially in the thumb, as well as loss of sensation. Patients may lose the ability to recognize heat and cold.

DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY

The foundation of non-operative treatment is physical therapy. It includes:

• Manual therapy
• Shock wave therapy
• Electrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound and laser
• Kinesitherapy.