Tunnelisündroom

Tunnelisündroom, commonly known as carpal tunnel syndrome in English, is a medical condition characterized by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This compression can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers, particularly the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments. The median nerve, along with tendons that control finger movement, runs through this tunnel. When swelling or thickening of the tissues surrounding the nerve occurs, it can put pressure on the median nerve. Factors contributing to this swelling can include repetitive hand and wrist motions, prolonged awkward hand positions, certain medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and pregnancy.

Symptoms often worsen at night and can interfere with daily activities such as gripping objects, writing, or typing. In severe cases, muscle wasting in the base of the thumb may occur. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, a review of medical history, and sometimes nerve conduction studies or electromyography to assess nerve function.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild to moderate cases may be managed with conservative measures such as wrist splinting, activity modification, over-the-counter pain relievers, and corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel. For more severe or persistent symptoms, surgical intervention to release the pressure on the median nerve may be recommended. This procedure, known as carpal tunnel release, involves cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel to enlarge the space and relieve compression.