a. Signs/Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Symptoms are often worse
at night and may be relieved if the patient shakes his hands vigorously or dangles his
hands at his sides. Included are the following:
(1)
Pain in the hands.
(2)
Weakness in the hands.
(3)
Paresthesia (abnormal sensation such as burning, tingling, numbness)
in the hands.
(4)
Eventually, pain may spread to the forearm and even the shoulders.
b. Treatment. Begin conservative treatment which is to splint the wrist in the
neutral position at night. Try this for one to two weeks. If this treatment is unsuccessful,
refer the patient to orthopedics.
Figure 1-2. Carpal tunnel syndrome.
1-17. CHONDROMALACIA PATELLAE
Chondromalacia refers to an abnormal softening of cartilage. Chondromalacia
patellae refers to the rapid erosion and fragmentation of cartilage around the knee. The
condition is most common in young men. There may be a momentary "catching" of the
knee while climbing stairs. Passive motion is not painful.
MD0577
1-13