In recent TV appearances, Eni Vasili was seen with a bandaged hand. Many people thought that the journalist had broken her hand, but in a video on Instagram Stories, she said that due to pregnancy she has carpal tunnel syndrome. Below is a guide to this condition, which does not only affect pregnant women.
What is it?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition caused by irritation of the ankle nerve.
What causes it?
The most common cause of this inflammation is a medical condition that causes swelling in the joint and sometimes impedes blood flow. Some of the most common conditions associated with this syndrome are:
- diabetes
- thyroid dysfunction
- accumulation of fluid from pregnancy or menopause
- autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis
- fracture or trauma to the wrist
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms may be frequent hand dysfunction. Other symptoms:
- numbness, tingling and pain in the thumb and first three fingers
- pain and burning
- overnight hand pain
- weakness in the muscles of the hand
How is it treated?
Treatment of the syndrome depends on how severe the pain and symptoms are. Non-surgical options include:
- Avoid difficult hand positions
- Keep gloves that hold the hand in a normal position
- Light medications for pain or to reduce inflammation
- Treatment of conditions such as diabetes or arthritis
- Steroid injections in the wrist area
Surgery may be necessary in case there is severe nerve damage.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, Healthline
