Physiotherapeutic behavioral pattern of carpal tunnel syndrome induced by occupational activities

Abstract

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy that can lead to functional disability at working age. Since 2003, it has been registered in the list of occupational diseases of the European Union. In 2001, the disease was the sixth most frequent among all occupational diseases recognized in the European Union. Often underestimated, CTS can cause serious changes in the quality of life of the patients—their professional and usual daily activities, social and household contacts are violated. Aim: The aim of this article is to analyze the results of physiotherapy treatment in patients with mild and moderate form of CTS induced by excessive upper limb load in terms of their working ability, daily activities and their social activity based on anamnestic data, a survey and a Boston questionnaire for carpal tunnel syndrome. Material and Methods: A total of 57 patients with mild to moderate degree of manifestation of the syndrome were investigated—22 (38.60%)—with right hand affected, 9 patients (15.80%) with affected left hand, and 26 patients (45.60%) with bilateral involvement. In the last group, both hands were examined, i.e. 57 patients and 82 hands were examined. Conclusion: The combination of kinesitherapy with physical physiotherapy methods has a favorable effect on both subjective complaints and clinical symptoms as well as the extent of restoration of affected hand functions at the end of the physiotherapy course, this tendency being maintained for 4 to 8 months after physiotherapeutical treatment . The Boston Questionnaire is a reliable tool for diagnosing, processing, analyzing and evaluating the results of one or another type of CTS treatment. The segmental demyelination of the sensory and motor fibers of n. medianus in the initial stages resulting from its compression in the carpal canal is a reversible process. A comprehensive approach to CTS treatment, including early diagnosis and prevention, is a pledge to achieve success in mild and moderate forms of the syndrome, and competent and timely medical counseling is often of great importance for shortening recovery time, improving the function of the hand, quality of life of the patient and resulting in significant socioeconomic effects.