Effects of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave and Kinesio Taping Treatments in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Pain level will be evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale. (minimum: 0, maximum: 100 mm)

The Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) questionnaire was used to assess symptom severity and functionality. It includes 2 subgroups: Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Scale (FSS). Symptom severity is assessed with 11 questions, and functional status is assessed with 8 questions. Each question is scored from low to high, 1 to 5. As the total score increases, deterioration increases.

The median nerve cross-sectional area was measured by tracing just proximal to the carpal tunnel entrance with the wrist resting on a table in a neutral position. The carpal tunnel entrance was identified by detecting the proximal side of the transverse carpal ligament. The distal radioulnar joint was also observed at this level.

A hydraulic hand dynamometer was used to assess grip strength, and a hydraulic pinchmeter was used to assess lateral pinch strength. Measurements were made using the 2nd level resistance (3.75 cm) with the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion and the forearm and wrist in a neutral position. Patients were asked to squeeze with maximum force, measurements were made three times, and the average result was recorded in kilograms. For lateral pinch (LP), the pinchmeter was pressed with the distal middle of the thumb, and the lateral part of the second phalanx of the index finger was used to support the lower part.

Duruöz Hand Index was used for functional assessment. This questionnaire contains 18 questions on hand activities. It consists of five areas. There are eight questions on kitchen activities, two questions on dressing, two questions on personal hygiene, two questions on office work and four questions on other activities. The patient selects one of the answers for each question on a scale of one to five. The scores given for each question are added to obtain a total score ranging from 0 to 90. Higher scores indicate more severe hand disability.

Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions was used to assessment of neuropathic pain. The DN4 questionnaire consists of 10 items. The first 7 items are related to pain characteristics and sensation, while the remaining 3 items are related to examination. For each item, a score of "1" is given if the answer is "yes" and a score of "0" if the answer is "no". If the total number of yes answers from the 10 items is calculated as 4 or more, the patient is defined as having neuropathic pain.

The Nottingham Health Profile was used.As a general health status questionnaire, it provides a brief indication of a patient's perceived emotional, social and physical health and is designed for use in the general population. It is concerned with the individual's health status and includes energy levels, pain, emotional responses, sleep, social isolation and physical abilities. The energy levels domain consists of 3 items, pain 8 items, emotional responses 9 items, sleep and social isolation domains 5 items each and physical abilities domain 8 items. Each item requires a yes or no response. The patient's score is calculated out of a total of 600 points. The higher the score, the lower the quality of life.

Beck Depression Inventory was used for depression assessment. It consists of 21 items with four precursors scored between 0 and 3. Patients are asked to mark the item that best suits their mood in the past week. As the score increases, it is thought that the depressive state is more severe. The total score is scored as 0-9 = Minimal, 10-16 = mild, 17-29 = moderate, 30-63 = severe.