Carpal tunnel syndrome can be associated with endocrinological, rheumatic diseases, estrogen treatment, pregnancy, some tumors, etc .; that is why if there is a suspicion of these diseases, the diagnosis can be complemented with analytical or imaging tests that help find the cause.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
it is a condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve in the wrist that allows sensitivity and movement to parts of the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.
The area on the wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This is usually narrow. Any inflammation can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome.
After clinical suspicion, an exploration of the sensitivity and strength of the hand should be made, as well as maneuvers that trigger the symptomatology.
To confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of involvement of the median nerve (mild, moderate or severe), a neurophysiological study consisting of an electromyogram (EMG) and a nerve conduction study (NEC) is usually requested.
The median nerve provides sensation and movement next to the hand where the thumb is located. This includes the palm of the hand, the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger, and the side of the ring finger on the side of the thumb.
Studies have not shown that carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by writing on a computer, using a mouse or repeating movements while working, playing a musical instrument or playing sports; But these activities can cause pain and swelling of the tendons or the bursa of the hand, which can narrow the carpal tunnel and cause symptoms.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs almost always in people 30 to 60 years of age and is more common in women than in men.
Other factors that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Alcoholism
- Fractures of bones and arthritis of the wrist
- Cyst or tumor that grows on the wrist
- Infections
- Obesity
- Additional fluids that accumulate in the body during pregnancy or menopause
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diseases that cause abnormal deposits of protein in the body (amyloidosis)
Some people who have this problem were born with a small carpal tunnel.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by doing the same movement of the hand and wrist over and over again. The use of vibrating hand tools can also lead to this syndrome.