Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS – Carpal Tunnel)
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Costs
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What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a syndrome that describes the compression and subsequent irritation of the median nerve at the wrist.
Why Does It Occur? What Are the Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The median nerve is one of the 3 most important nerves of the upper limb and is responsible for the movement and sensation of a large part of the fingers of the hand. At the wrist, it passes through a tunnel with bony walls and a strong ligament forming its roof, known as the transverse carpal ligament. Sometimes, the median nerve becomes compressed within this tunnel, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Predisposing factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include manual work and repetitive activities with the wrist in a flexed position (such as computer use). The presence of osteoarthritis or previous fractures in the wrist area also increases the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs more frequently in women and sometimes first appears during pregnancy. Other predisposing factors include thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and the presence of a ganglion cyst in the wrist area.
Main Symptoms
Patients may experience the following symptoms:
Wrist pain radiating to the palm and fingers
Numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger
Worsening of pain and numbness at night or when the wrist remains flexed for a prolonged period of time
Atrophy of the hand muscles
Difficulty performing fine hand movements (such as writing or fastening clothes)
Wrist stiffness
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
A patient with carpal tunnel syndrome requires assessment by a specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you. The doctor will refer you for electromyography, which will confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition.
Conservative Treatment with Exercises and Rehabilitation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Initial treatment for mild carpal tunnel syndrome includes:
Rest and activity modification
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Physiotherapy and a home exercise programme. The exercises aim to improve the gliding of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. They include wrist and finger stretches within pain limits.
Use of a night splint to keep the wrist in a neutral position.
A cortisone injection into the carpal tunnel may relieve symptoms for several months, but it does not provide a definitive solution. The same applies to the injection of autologous healing factors (PRP).
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatment fails or in advanced forms of neuritis, release of the median nerve provides a definitive solution with excellent functional results.
The release is performed through a small incision at the base of the wrist. Through this incision, the doctor releases the ligament over the carpal tunnel, thereby decompressing the median nerve.
The anaesthesia is local, and the patient returns home a few hours after the procedure with a dressing for 3 days.
How Successful Is the Procedure – Surgery?
Surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is a safe and bloodless procedure with extremely low complication rates and excellent functional outcomes. The surgery lasts 10–15 minutes.
It is important for patients who have an indication for surgery to schedule the procedure, as nerve damage that develops over time may not be reversible.
How Much Does It Cost? What Are the Costs and Prices?
The cost is quite affordable. For more information, please contact us.
If you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, consult the specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad — including serving as Director at a University Hospital — and specialises in upper limb surgery.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.