Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (=CTS)

When a nerve such as the median nerve gets caught in the carpal tunnel of the wrist, there are typical neurological symptoms such as a thumb numbness and numbness of the index finger, the middle finger and half of the ring finger (the half closer towards the thumb). Associated with this is a weakness in the wrist and an aggravation every time the wrist is bent repetitively or gripping is done frequently.

Electromyography in a neurology lab will document a slowing of the nerve impulses in the median nerve, but not in the other two arm nerves (ulnar and radial nerves). Here is a link that explains CTS with a picture. The neurosurgeon or hand surgeon will cut the carpal ligament to release the pressure in the flexor tendon compartment where the median nerve travels along with the tendons (carpal tunnel release surgery).

This has been done in the past as an open procedure, but is now almost always done as an endoscopic procedure. Here is a link to a surgical site that shows pictures of an endoscopic CTS release .

The patient will recover within 2 to 3 weeks and can return to work after that time. Diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism are associated with a higher incidence of CTS on both sides of the wrist. Work related CTS is usually occurring on the dominant working hand. There are also constitutional factors where in one family almost all members develop CTS on both hands, if not in early adulthood, then later in life. It is important not to ignore the symptoms as otherwise permanent muscle atrophy sets in and in these cases chronic regional pain syndromes with crippling pain can develop.

Pain relief:

There is an FDA approved non-drug method available, IceWave patches from Lifewave, which will control pain. This is mentioned in the book "Breakthrough" by Suzanne Somers (Ref. 10) where newer insights of antiaging medicine are also reviewed. Although the patches are placed over acupuncture points, there are no needles involved. Nanotechnology, a newer technology, was used in the manufacturing of these patches and infrared (heat) waves from body heat are utilized to stimulate an acupuncture point, which modifies pain perception and reduces pain to half or less. Medically this would be considered an excellent pain reliever. For more info on the patches see the IceWave patches from Lifewave link above (click "products"). In the US a 5 pack of the IceWave spray is available that can be directly sprayed onto the skin in the area where the pain is located.

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Neurological disease (entrapment of nerves)

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Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

1. Goldman: Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 21st ed.,2000, W. B. Saunders Company

2. B. Sears: "The top 100 zone foods". Regan Books, Harper Collins, 2001.

3. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 176.

4. Noble: Textbook of Primary Care Medicine, 3rd ed.,2001, Mosby, Inc.

5. Goroll: Primary Care Medicine, 4th ed.,2000, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

6.Rosen: Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, 4th ed., 1998, Mosby-Year Book, Inc.

7. Ruddy: Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, 6th ed.,2001, W. B. Saunders Company

10. Suzanne Somers: "Breakthrough" Eight Steps to Wellness-- Life-altering Secrets from Today's Cutting-edge Doctors", Crown Publishers, 2008

Last Modified: Dec. 23, 2008