Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful disorder of the wrist and hand. The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel formed by the bones andother tissues of your wrist.

When tissues in this area become inflamed, the pressure can make part of your hand hurt or feel numb.

 

Symptoms

Initial symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling and numbness of the thumb, index and middle fingers. Symptoms may be more pronounced at night and can awaken patients from sleep. As the disease progresses patients can develop a burning sensation, cramping, and eventually weakness of the hand. 

Other symptoms are pain with prolonged gripping, such as holding a steering wheel, or clumsiness in handling objects. Sometimes the pain can go all the way up to the shoulder.
 

 

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is the tight space between the fibrous tissue that supports the wrist joint and the wrist bone itself. One of the important structures that pass through this tunnel is the median nerve. Any condition that causes swelling can squeeze and irritate the median nerve - resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Common conditions that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome are obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes, and trauma. Repetitive motions, such as typing, can cause tendon inflammation leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is made based on the results of an examination by a doctor and a nerve conduction test. Blood tests may be performed to identify medical conditions that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

Treatment

The treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends upon the severity of the symptoms and the cause.

Initial treatment includes rest, immobilization of the wrist with a splint, and applying ice several times a day.

Medications that have been used to treat this disease are Vitamin B6, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids.

Most patients with carpal tunnel syndrome will see improvement  with these conservative measures.

Occasionally, chronic pressure can result in persistent pain or numbness. In these cases, a surgical treatment called carpal tunnel release may be offered.

If you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, see your doctor for a full evaluation.

 

Last Updated: March 19, 2009