Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Orthopedic Surgery

By Author: Vikram kumar
Total Articles: 9701
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The carpal tunnel is a kind of protective passage between the base of the palm of the hand and the wrist. It protects the many nerves and tendons running through this area. Overuse and repetitive use of the tendons and muscles in this area can, however, cause pain, stiffness, numbness, and tingling in and around the wrist, and this is called carpal tunnel syndrome.

Diagnosis may involve a medical professional simply feeling around the area, checking for strength of musculature in the fingers and hands, and putting pressure on the median nerve to check how the patient reacts. This physical diagnosis may be confirmed by use of diagnostic tests such as a nerve conduction study or an electromyogram (a procedure performed by an electromyograph, which detects, evaluates and records electrical activity in the muscles of the body).

In its early stages, this medical condition can be treated non-invasively, by the use of regular rest periods in between the repetitive work that has probably caused, and will certainly worsen, the syndrome and its symptoms. Exercise of a special kind may also be suggested, and demonstrated, ...
... that will strengthen the muscles around the aggravated area, thus helping them to support the damaged and overused ones. Sometimes, wrist braces are worn either overnight or when using the affected muscles; this helps support them while they work and allows them to recover. Regular use of cold packs is often suggested too, as this helps reduce swelling and, therefore, the pain symptoms, especially in the early stages of treatment.

Surgery for this syndrome can often be avoided if diagnosis is made early and treatment begun immediately. However, in some cases, surgical intervention becomes necessary. Usually, though, surgery is done under local anesthetic and in an outpatient department, and is a relatively straightforward procedure in which the ligament that has become strained is severed to release the tension.

Whether you have had surgery or not, much of the recovery process is the same; rest and variety in the movements you perform, physical therapy exercises that utilize other muscles around the area affected, and symptomatic relief, such as massage, stretch and relax techniques.

Interestingly, there are many parallels between all types of orthopedic procedures, even between carpal tunnel syndrome and knee surgery. Of course most knee surgery is performed to reattach or repair the ligament (as opposed to severing a troublesome ligament in carpal surgery). The key in both cases to a fast recovery is to get the body moving without straining, and gently ease it back into a natural pattern of movement.

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