What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel – a narrow passage in the wrist. It causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Dr Shahrukh Khan at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi provides effective CTS management.
Causes
- Repetitive hand/wrist movements (typing, assembly work)
- Wrist anatomy (smaller carpal tunnel)
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis
- Wrist fractures or dislocations
Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in thumb, index, middle, and ring finger
- Pain in wrist or hand, especially at night
- Weakness in grip – dropping objects
- Symptoms worse with driving, reading, or holding a phone
- Relief from shaking the hand (flick sign)
Diagnosis
Clinical examination (Tinel sign, Phalen test), Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to confirm median nerve compression, and ultrasound to measure nerve swelling.
Treatment
Conservative Treatment
- Wrist splinting (especially at night)
- Activity modification
- NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
- Corticosteroid injections – very effective for moderate CTS
- Physiotherapy – specific exercises
Surgical Treatment: Carpal Tunnel Release
Division of the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Can be done open or endoscopically (minimally invasive). Success rate >90%. Most patients experience immediate relief of symptoms.
Recovery
- Return to light activities: 1–2 weeks
- Return to manual work: 4–6 weeks
- Full nerve recovery: Several months (depending on pre-op severity)
Expert carpal tunnel treatment at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
