Tunnel syndromes are clinical symptom complexes caused by compression of nerves and blood vessels in anatomical canals (“tunnels”). The tunnels are formed by muscles, ligaments, fascia, tendons and bones.
For various reasons, their lumen narrows, pinching blood vessels and nerves, which leads to ischemia (lack of blood supply to the tissues) and disruption of innervation.
Most often, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in the wrist area. One of the main reasons for its occurrence is frequent injuries and the specifics of professions where there is a monotonous load on the hands (pianists, guitarists, drummers, artists, programmers, etc.)
Symptoms
The most common symptoms complained of are:
- “Cottony” hands, objects often falling out of hands, numbness and tingling. Most often, these signs appear when working at a computer, drawing or writing text, reading, or driving a car. Sometimes unpleasant sensations are observed at night, they force you to wake up and shake your hands.
- Pain that spreads to the fingers, forearm, and can move to the elbow. However, pain from the elbow and above may indicate other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
- Loss of coordination and weakness in the hand are another typical sign. When gripping using the thumb, the strength in the hand is reduced. This may be due to pain or loss of sensation.
- Sometimes patients are bothered by swelling of the hand, a feeling of fullness, coldness, or vice versa, heat. There may also be a change in skin color and increased sweating in the palm. These signs are associated with a violation of parasympathetic innervation.
Classification of dressings
Bandages are divided into groups according to certain parameters:
- by duration of use – temporary and permanent;
- by purpose - pressing, strengthening (bandage, adhesive and plaster) and immobilizing (plaster and splint);
- according to the method of fastening - adhesives, stickers, bandages (mesh, gauze, tubular-mesh, fabric). In addition, sling-shaped, scarf (gauze or fabric) and T-shaped;
- according to the properties of the material - hard and soft;
- method of application - spiral, circular, spicate, intersecting, etc.
May be interesting: Leg splint: types of devices, indications, contraindications
Some types of dressings contain composite materials, such as plaster, as well as solid elements (splints, splints, etc.), which help improve fixation of the damaged part of the body. In addition, the bandage can be contour, scarf, mesh and tensor, etc. Proper bandaging looks neat, does not cause discomfort to the patient and completely covers the injured limb.
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
In the initial stages of the pathology, carpal tunnel syndrome can be eliminated by changing daily activities and eliminating harmful occupational factors. In later stages, a wrist orthosis is used. The wrist joint is fixed in a neutral position to reduce negative impact on the median nerve.
Physiotherapy, manual therapy, and kinesiotaping are additions to treatment. However, not all doctors confirm their effectiveness.
As for drug treatment, it is aimed at relieving swelling, which leads to the elimination of symptoms. Corticosteroids are used for this.
There are also methods of surgical treatment, they are based on dissection of the transverse ligament of the carpal tunnel and release of the nerve from compression by surrounding tissues. These are radical methods of therapy that are prescribed when other measures are ineffective.
Basic functions of a medical device
The joint is characterized by constant intense loads as a result of movement of the upper limb. If the functional activity of the arm decreases, the shoulder joint is examined. Wearing a bandage is recommended by traumatologists for immobilization and stress reduction, for example, during active sports. It provides moderate fixation, that is, it simultaneously stabilizes the joint and relieves its ligamentous-muscular system. The orthosis performs the following functions:
- supports the joint and arm, accelerating the regeneration of damaged tissues;
- prevents excessive joint mobility, which can provoke further injury;
- prevents the occurrence of discomfort when moving your hand, turning or bending.
Wearing fixing devices limits the dynamics of the striated muscles, which has a positive effect on the condition of the ligaments. They are significantly injured when dislocated, especially the abdominal end of the clavicle. To restore them, complete immobility is necessary, otherwise relapses of the pathology occur, accompanied by severe pain in the shoulder joint. An orthosis is often used to simultaneously fix the arm and shoulder, since if injured, any movements of the upper limb can slow down recovery. If necessary, medical devices are used to completely immobilize the entire thoracic spine.
Designs made of breathable materials are prescribed to patients who have rapidly progressing degenerative changes in the articular structures. In addition to taking NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, and chondroprotectors, weak fixation of the joint is required. This method of conservative treatment does not allow destruction to neutralize the positive effect of pharmacological drugs.
The bandage was first mentioned as a separate medical device in manuscripts dating back to 1700 BC. The famous laws of King Hammurabi of Babylon describe the procedure for wearing a fixation device to prevent the protrusion of an inguinal hernia.
What orthoses are used in treatment
Orthoses differ in material, rigidity, function, size and other characteristics.
What determines the choice of an orthosis for the wrist joint for carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Degree of severity (severity) of symptoms;
- Duration of the disease;
- Hand size and anatomical features;
- Personal preferences of the patient (orthosis weight, color, appearance, structure, thickness, etc.).
Hand orthoses can be of two types: with fixation of only the wrist joint and with simultaneous fixation of the wrist and thumb.
The main parameter of all orthoses is rigidity. Therefore, all models are divided into soft, semi-rigid and hard.
Soft clamps
Very elastic product. Slightly limits the mobility of the wrist joint. The main effects are massage and warming. Improves blood flow in the “tunnel” and relaxes muscles, preventing compression of blood vessels and nerves.
A soft orthosis for carpal tunnel syndrome is used to prevent relapse of the disease and in the late period of rehabilitation after surgical treatment.
They are recommended for use by athletes and people during work that places stress on the wrist joint (working at a computer, playing musical instruments, etc.).
Semi-rigid bandages
This model has metal or polymer plates sewn into elastic fabric to limit movements in the wrist.
Indications for their use:
- Postoperative period for surgical treatment in the lower part of the forearm or wrist joint.
- Tissue support in the wrist area after removal of the arm cast.
- Rehabilitation after a stroke in the presence of paresis or paralysis of the limbs.
- Recovery from a sprained or torn wrist ligament.
Rigid orthoses
The wrist joint is securely fixed, completely blocking movements in it.
As a rule, it consists of metal plates, polymer elements and fixing straps or Velcro.
A rigid orthosis is used for carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from:
- Fractures of the bones of the forearm and/or hand.
- Traumatic neuropathy of peripheral nerves.
- Inflammation of tissue in the wrist area.
- Operations on the wrist joint (early postoperative period).
- Ligament ruptures.
- Exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis with damage to the wrist joint.
ORTHOPEDIST-TRAUMOTOLOGIST
What you need to know about the knee brace
It is traditionally believed that knee pads are the prerogative of sick people. In fact, bandages for knee joints are used not only for already developed arthrosis, after injuries, but for prevention. If an orthopedic product is selected correctly, it will significantly reduce the likelihood of injury and prolong the functionality of the knees.
- Athletes need professional orthopedic bandages that do not deform or twist during active movements. Their design has stiffening ribs, thanks to which the knees move back and forth and do not move to the side.
- Warming bandages are suitable for sports enthusiasts who engage in outdoor activities. They retain heat and improve heat circulation in the joint, and are indicated even at an air temperature of +20 °C.
Before purchasing a knee brace, put it on and walk for a few minutes. The product should not be felt on the leg. If you are at risk, play sports, or subject your knees to heavy physical activity, do not wait for a diagnosis of arthrosis. Knee pads, as well as hand orthoses, are an indicator of your concern for your health, and not at all a sign of illness.
How to use fasteners correctly
The orthosis is selected to suit the anatomical features of the patient’s hand, taking into account the nature of tissue damage.
Patients will not be able to choose the ideal model on their own. This should be done by an orthopedic traumatologist.
Rules for wearing orthoses:
- The limb must be in an anatomically correct position, that is, as natural and comfortable as possible for the patient.
- You can't tolerate discomfort. If you experience pain or discomfort wearing the orthosis, consult your doctor.
- Before water procedures, orthoses are removed so that the muscles work in full.
- The patient's condition should be regularly checked by an orthopedic traumatologist. If it is necessary to correct the position of the hand, the orthosis is replaced or “adjusted” (the fixing straps are tightened or relaxed).
ORDEKT orthoses made of thermoplastic material are much easier to use (they can be wet) and require less maintenance (just wipe them).
Only a doctor can put them on and take them off! This orthosis is heated to 60-100 °C to make it flexible. An orthopedist or traumatologist places an orthosis on the hand and forearm, adjusting the product to the anatomical features of the patient’s hand. In a few minutes, the material cools and “seizes,” securely fixing the wrist.
ORDEKT wrist joint orthoses provide:
- Complete fixation of the joint without causing discomfort
- Quick pain relief.
- Reducing inflammation (improving trophism of damaged tissues and lymph outflow).
- Reliable fixation without excessive squeezing of tissues, irritation and chafing of the skin.
Types of joint bandages
Joint braces provide varying degrees of support, so they are conventionally divided into three groups:
1. Light level of support.
Made from lightweight fabric. Relevant for minor bruises and slight dislocations. They are not used for arthrosis of the wrist, knee or ankle joints.
2. Medium level of support.
Made from dense and elastic materials. Suitable for fixing the joint in case of severe injuries, including in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Warmth is retained inside the bandage, so blood flow to the damaged area improves.
3. Strong degree of protection.
Orthopedic devices have a complex design with special steel spokes to completely immobilize the joint. This bandage warms the joint and relieves tension, so it is used in especially severe cases.
Most often, for arthrosis, moderate fixation bandages are prescribed.
Advantages of ORDEKT thermoplastic orthoses for carpal tunnel syndrome
- Made individually for you in 10 minutes;
- Lightweight, comfortable and breathable material;
- Bright colors of models;
- You can take water procedures in them;
- The material is pleasant to the touch, does not cause allergies or irritation;
- Not visible on an x-ray (the orthosis does not need to be removed before the examination);
- A price accessible to everyone.
If you still have questions, ask them to the online consultant by filling out the form at the bottom of the page. To buy an orthosis for carpal tunnel syndrome made of low-temperature plastic in our store, place your order online or by calling +7 (495) 54-04-754.
The article was checked by Strakhov Maxim Alekseevich - Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Traumatology-Orthopedics and Military Field Surgery of the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education Russian National Research Medical University named after. N.I. Pirogov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Associate Professor of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia (Moscow).
