Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Recognize Symptoms and Treat Early

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions in which a nerve in the wrist becomes constricted. Carpal tunnel syndrome typically manifests as tingling, numbness, and pain in the fingers, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. As it progresses, it can lead to a significant restriction of fine motor skills, making everyday activities such as gripping objects difficult. At the Neurozentrum Filderstadt, we place great emphasis on recognizing carpal tunnel syndrome early and initiating individually tailored treatment. In this way, we want to prevent the symptoms from worsening and a later therapy from being more protracted.

Early diagnosis and a precisely fitting therapy increase the chances of rapid symptom relief. Since the symptoms usually begin insidiously, it is important to take the first warning signs seriously and seek expert advice. At the Neurozentrum Filderstadt, we offer you modern diagnostic procedures and a comprehensive treatment concept that takes your individual needs into account. Our goal is to get the carpal tunnel syndrome under control in the long term and to enable you to regain the most unrestricted hand function possible.

Causes and symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes constricted. This constriction usually results from swelling of surrounding tendons or ligaments within the carpal tunnel. Contributing factors include repeated strain, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy), or pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and rheumatic complaints. Characteristic are paresthesia such as tingling, numbness, or pain in the hand, which often occur at night and lead to sleep disturbances.

As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, gripping objects can become more difficult. Motor deficits or a feeling of weakness in the hand are also possible. In such cases, timely treatment at the Neurozentrum Filderstadt is advisable in order to avoid permanent nerve damage and maintain quality of life. Individual therapy can help to alleviate the symptoms in the early stages and prevent the need for surgery.

Diagnostic procedures

At the Neurozentrum Filderstadt, we use various methods to definitively diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. First, we conduct a detailed discussion in which you describe your symptoms, their intensity, and duration. Based on neurological tests and special clinical examinations, such as the Phalen’s test or the Hoffmann-Tinel sign, we can obtain initial indications of nerve compression.

In addition, electrophysiological procedures such as electroneurography (ENG) are used to examine the nerve conduction of the median nerve. This allows us to determine whether and to what extent the nerve is damaged. If necessary, an ultrasound examination can help to visualize structural changes in the wrist. Based on these findings, we develop your personal treatment plan at the Neurozentrum Filderstadt.

Therapy options (conservative & surgical)

The therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome depends primarily on the severity of the symptoms. Conservative measures include immobilization splints, which are worn specifically at night and stabilize the wrist position. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to reduce swelling and reduce pressure on the nerve.

In addition, physiotherapy and occupational therapy offer a way to strengthen the musculoskeletal system and optimize movement sequences. The focus is on specific exercises that can release muscle tension and reduce pressure in the carpal tunnel. In the case of pronounced symptoms, surgical treatment may be necessary, in which the constricted tissue is relieved. At the Neurozentrum Filderstadt, we support you before and after a surgical procedure with individual therapy to promote rapid recovery and prevent relapses.