What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Symptoms & Treatment Method

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that many people experience today and negatively affects the quality of life. This syndrome, which carries a great risk, especially for those who spend long hours at the computer and those who work by constantly using their wrist, can cause permanent damage if not diagnosed and treated in time. In this article we have written for you, you can find the basic information, causes and symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and have an idea about treatment methods.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the median nerve, which provides sensation and movement to the hand and fingers, is compressed in the narrow channel called the carpal tunnel at the wrist level. This compression causes the nerve to fail to fulfill its functions and causes complaints such as pain, numbness and tingling in the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which develops due to prolonged and repetitive wrist movements, is more common in women aged 30-60 years.

What Are The Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The main cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is increased pressure in the carpal tunnel and compression of the median nerve. The causes of this pressure increase include the following;

• Prolonged and repetitive wrist movements, especially activities such as computer use, typing, manual labor,
• Trauma, fracture, or dislocation of the wrist,
• Hormonal changes, especially during menopause and pregnancy,
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism,
• Congenitally narrow carpal tunnel,.

What Are The Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The most common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are as follows;

• Pain, burning, tingling and numbness in the hand and fingers, especially on the inside of the thumb and index finger, middle finger and ring finger,
• Symptoms are more severe at night and wake you up,
• Weakness in the hand and decreased ability to hold objects,
• Symptoms increase over time and become permanent,

It is important to consult a specialist for the diagnosis and treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Treatment methods include rest, use of wrist braces, medication, physiotherapy and surgical intervention. With early diagnosis and correct treatment, it is possible to get rid of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and improve your quality of life.

How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

Karpal Tünel Sendromu (KTS), el bileğindeki karpal tünel adı verilen dar kanal içerisinde median sinirin sıkışması sonucu ortaya çıkan bir durumdur. Symptoms of this syndrome include pain, numbness, tingling and loss of strength in the hand and fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be diagnosed by patient complaints, physical examination and some special tests.

For the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the doctor first listens to the patient’s complaints and performs an examination of the wrist, hand and fingers. Then, the doctor performs some special tests that show symptoms specific to CTS. These tests include the Tinel test, the Phalen test and the Durkan test. A positive result of these tests strengthens the suspicion of CTS.

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (SIH) tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. These tests confirm the presence of CTS by measuring the function and conduction velocity of the median nerve. In addition, imaging modalities such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used in the diagnosis of CTS.

What Is The Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and the patient’s quality of life. Treatment options are as follows;

• Drug treatment,
• Immobilization,
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation,
• Surgical treatment,

What Can Be Done To Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

In order to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is important to reduce the risk factors. Some measures that can be applied to prevent CTS can be explained as follows;

• Ergonomic adjustments: When using a computer, it is important to adjust the keyboard and mouse position properly, use appropriate wrist supports and take breaks at regular intervals.
• Exercise and stretching: You can reduce the risk of CTS by doing exercises that strengthen the hands and wrists and increase flexibility.
• Hot and cold applications: Hot and cold compresses can be applied to relieve swelling and pain in the hands and wrists.
• Reviewing body mechanics: Maintaining proper wrist and hand positions during daily activities reduces the risk of CTS.
• Nutrition and lifestyle: You can reduce the risk of CTS by adopting a healthy lifestyle and consuming anti-inflammatory foods.

How Common is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a very common peripheral nerve compression disorder today. The carpal tunnel is a narrow channel in the wrist through which the median nerve passes. This syndrome occurs as a result of compression of the median nerve in this canal. CTS causes symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and wrist.

The incidence of CTS varies depending on the population and age. In general, it is thought to affect 3% to 6% of adults. It is more common in women than in men and can affect 9 to 15 percent of women, whereas in men it ranges from 3 to 6 percent. This may be due to the carpal tunnel being narrower in women due to hormonal factors, wrist structure and pregnancy.

In addition, the incidence of CTS is higher in some occupational groups. Especially in jobs that require repetitive hand and wrist movements (e.g. computer users, assembly workers, musicians), the risk of CTS increases. Therefore, the incidence of CTS is higher in these occupational groups.

At What Age Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Seen?

CTS is usually seen in adults and its incidence increases with age. The most common age range of CTS is between 30 and 60 years. At these ages, the risk of CTS increases as the structures in the carpal tunnel change with age and thicken to compress the median nerve.

CTS is very rare in children and young people. However, CTS can also be seen in children due to congenital anomalies, wrist traumas, or some genetic diseases. Apart from these cases, the incidence of CTS in children and young people is low.

The incidence of CTS in the elderly is high due to the risk factors that increase with age. In particular, systemic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism, which are more common with age, may increase the risk of CTS. Therefore, the incidence of CTS also increases in the elderly.

In conclusion, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition in adults and its incidence increases with age. This syndrome, which carries a higher risk in women and some occupational groups, can be controlled with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment and its negative effects on quality of life can be reduced.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. Regarding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Prices in Turkey, we can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.