Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is an opening in your wrist that is formed by the carpal bones on the bottom of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament across the top of the wrist. The median nerve provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and 3 middle fingers. If it gets compressed or irritated, you may have symptoms.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome have no specific cause, although any or all of the following may be a contributing factor:
- Frequent, repetitive, small movements with the hands (such as with typing or using a keyboard)
- Frequent, repetitive, grasping movements with the hands (such as with sports and certain physical activities)
- Joint or bone disease (for example, arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Hormonal or metabolic changes (for example, menopause, pregnancy, or thyroid imbalance)
- Changes in blood sugar levels (may be seen with type 2 diabetes)
- Other conditions or injuries of the wrist (for example, strain, sprain, dislocation, break, or swelling and inflammation)
- Family history of carpal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Weakness when gripping objects with one or both hands
- Pain or numbness in one or both hands
- “Pins and needles” feeling in the fingers
- Swollen feeling in the fingers
- Burning or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The priority is to relieve the pressure on the nerve, which increases when your wrist is bend forwards and reduces when it bent back.
- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATION / INJECTION. These may be oral or injected into the carpal tunnel space. These reduce the swelling.
- CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME RELEASE. Minor surgery to ease the compression on the nerves in the carpal tunnel.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist
