Carpal tunnel syndrome: when surgery makes sense

Pain, tingling, numbness in the hand - with the exception of the little finger? This indicates carpal tunnel syndrome. We explain here how it is triggered and when surgery is advisable.

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via Sabrina
05/16/2019, 11:43
Beim Karpaltunnelsyndrom ist der Mittelnerv zwischen Handwurzelknochen und Karpalband entzündet.© iStock
Unpleasant and painful: In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve between the carpal bone and the carpal ligament is inflamed.
Mit den richtigen Dehnübungen können Sie dem Karpaltunnelsyndrom vorbeugen.© iStock
You can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome with the right stretching exercises. To do this, stretch out your arm and press your fingertips upwards, then towards your body. Hold the exercise for 15 seconds at a time.

If the doctor diagnoses carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve between the carpal bone and the carpal ligament has too little space, is squeezed and becomes inflamed.

Women are affected much more often than men

It affects women more often, especially during pregnancy or the menopause: "The hormonal changes cause more fluid to be stored in the tissue. This causes pressure," explains Munich neurologist Dr. Martin Wimmer. Other causes include dislocations, injuries or tendon sheath inflammation. Above all, however, permanent incorrect loading due to holding activities.

Forearm splint or cortisone injection

If we sleep with our hands bent at night, it usually gets worse. The pressure on the inflamed median nerve increases. "A hand cuff or forearm splint that immobilizes the hand at night can help here," says Dr. Wimmer. He also recommends dietary supplements with uridine monophosphate, vitamin B12 and folic acid to combat the tingling. In acute cases, however, anti-inflammatory and decongestant cortisone is also injected. Physiotherapy can also be tried. Or with draining lymphatic drainage, the specialist suggests. However, if none of this helps, surgery is necessary.

Surgery provides immediate relief

"During this operation, the ligament bordering the carpal tunnel is split. The doctor opens it up, which reduces the pressure on the median nerve," explains Dr. Wimmer. "Most patients have no more complaints after the operation," says the expert. The hand cannot be used properly for three days to three weeks.

Stretching exercises for the hands

They stimulate blood circulation, relieve the tendons and keep them flexible. Left: Stretch out your arm, fingertips upwards. Then press your fingers towards your body. Right: Palm down, press towards the wrist with the fingers of the other hand. Hold for 15 seconds and then release. Repeat three times.

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