pain

[ootweety]

I have just recently heard about carpal and tarsal tunnel syndrome. I was mis-diagnosed with lupus last year complaining of pain in my hands and feet which is going on for about 2yrs at least. My pain is based in my knukles and the balls of my feet. The worst effected areas are my index fingers and old injuries, broken toe and sprined thumb. Its always bad in the morning and slowly disappears as the day progresses. I have very poor circulation in my hands and feet also. Could this be carpal tunnel syndrom (syndrome) and tarsal tunnel syndrome?

[JainMD]

Hi,
How are you feeling?
Your symptoms could be due to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and Tarsal Tunnel syndrome, but this needs thorough examination.
I think it might be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
CTS is a neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. 9 long flexors of the wrist and fingers and 1 nerve (median) run within this spatially limited and relatively rigid tunnel.
Thus, any increase in pressure within the tunnel compresses the injury-prone median nerve.
Risk factors include Repetitive hand work, Endocrine imbalance, History of neuropathy, associated conditions, Rheumatoid arthritis and Pregnancy.
Any factor that increases the pressure within the tunnel compresses the median nerve and leads to CTS.
The most common causes include flexor tenosynovitis; trauma to the carpal bones; ganglion, fibroma, or lipoma within the tunnel; rheumatoid cyst; gout; and diabetic neuropathy.
CTS can be diagnosed accurately by careful history and physical examination, inspection for thenar atrophy, and detection of sensory disturbance via light touch or a pinwheel.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is entrapment of the tibial nerve or its distal branches caused by compression or traction as the nerve courses through the tarsal tunnel.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression or tension on the tibial nerve, resulting in damage.
Unyielding structure of tarsal tunnel places nerve at risk for injury from local volume changes. Compressive etiologies: Sensory abnormalities are hypothesized to result from nerve ischemia, whereas late motor dysfunction may be the result of direct nerve compression injury. Chronic traction injuries produce fibrosis of the epineurium and stiffness, which makes the nerve less able to compensate for other insults.
You need to see an orthopaedician to re-assess the condition and get some investigations done to confirm the diagnosis.
Keep me informed if you any queries.
Bye.

[ootweety]

hey,

was at the doc yesterday and asked him if the pains in my hands could be caused by Carpel tunnel syndrom (syndrome). He then took my hand and proceded to hit the space between the two bones on the back of my wrist (Place for taking pulse). He asked me did it hurt, which it didnt so he said i dont have Carpel tunel syndrom (syndrome).

Is this an effective test to diagnose carpel tunnel syndrom (syndrome)?