Carpaletunnelsyndroom (RSI)
- Article
- 2021-03-05
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the palm, is pressed or pinched against the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand that houses the median nerve and the tendons that bend the fingers. The median nerve provides sensation on the palm side of the thumb and on most fingers. Symptoms usually start gradually, with numbness, tingling, hand weakness, and sometimes pain in the hand and wrist. CTS makes it difficult for some people to drive, read a book, grab small objects, or perform other tasks. Sometimes no direct cause of CTS can be found; Contributing factors include trauma or injury to the wrist that causes swelling, as well as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and fluid retention during pregnancy. Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition usually only occurs in adults.
Therapy
Initial treatment usually includes wearing a splint at night to keep the wrist from bending, over-the-counter and prescription medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to temporarily reduce swelling and relieve pain, and corticosteroid injections ( such as prednisone). For more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Underlying causes such as diabetes or arthritis must be treated first. Alternative therapies such as yoga can reduce pain and improve grip strength in some people with CTS.
Prognosis
In general, carpal tunnel syndrome responds well to treatment, but less than half of people report that their hand (s) feel completely normal after surgery. Some residual numbness or weakness is common. Most people may need to adjust their work activity for a few weeks after surgery. Stretching, taking regular rest breaks, wearing splints to keep the wrists straight, and correct posture and wrist posture can help prevent or worsen symptoms. Making changes in the workplace can help, but it cannot prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from occurring.
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