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MARCH - REMEMBER ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS WEEK NEXT MONTH: BE INFORMED ABOUT CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROMEContact:
For Immediate ReleaseGRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common form of nerve entrapment involving the hands, wrists or arms. CTS may result from repetitive movements, such as typing. Administrative Professionals Week is coming up next month, and people holding this position may be at elevated risk of acquiring CTS. It is one of the most common hand problems reported in the United States. Because of increased awareness on the part of the medical community and the public, this syndrome is now recognized early and treated by most physicians. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist. The nature of this condition and its causation are best understood by considering the wrist's anatomic structure. The carpal tunnel represents a fixed space with a finite volume. Any increase in the volume of its contents will raise the pressure within the carpal tunnel. This elevation of pressure compromises median nerve function. The most common cause of pressure increase is swelling of the flexor tendons as they pass through the wrist. This is usually associated with repetitive use of the hands and wrists. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also related to a variety of medical conditions including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid conditions. Trauma, wrist fractures, tumors, and pregnancy are other potential causes of CTS. "Patients with CTS will often describe numbness, tingling, and a burning pain in their hands and fingers," explains Dr. Mark R. DeHaan of the Michigan Hand Center. "These symptoms often extend from the hand into the forearm, and sometimes to the shoulder. Patients often report weakness in their grip and dropping things. Their symptoms are often most noticeable at night, while driving, reading, and when holding a phone." CTS responds to both nonsurgical and surgical treatment. When the duration of symptoms is less than three months, they will usually respond to conservative treatment. However, surgery remains the most effective method to treat CTS. Surgery may consist of open surgical release of the transverse carpal ligament, which requires an incision through the palmar skin to identify and divide the carpal, or open carpal tunnel surgery is the endoscopic technique, which was developed to reduce the incidence of incision-related. Both surgical techniques for CTS, open and endoscopic, have proven to be highly successful. Carpal tunnel surgery is a safe and effective surgery often resulting in a dramatic relief of symptoms. Most individuals are able to return to their normal activities at work and at home following a brief time of recovery. Hand therapy is helpful to assist in the recovery of hand function and strength. Success of CTS surgery is also dependent on the experience and training of the surgeon. Based in West Michigan, the Michigan Hand Center provides care for disorders and injuries of the hand, wrist, and upper extremity. Their physicians are board certified and include orthopaedic surgeons and plastic surgeons with specialty training in microsurgery and reconstructive hand surgery. Each physician has privileges at all major hospitals and clinics in Grand Rapids and Cutlerville, as well as at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Center in Grand Rapids. |
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