What Is Carpal Tunnel Disease?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that results from the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel, which is made up of ligament and bone.

Onset

• Early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling and numbness in the hand and wrist, as well as a compulsion to shake the hand in an attempt to restore feeling.

Progression

• As carpal tunnel progresses in severity, symptoms begin to include pain with movement and weakness in the wrist.

Medication

• The median nerve is typically compressed due to inflammation in the carpal tunnel. This inflammation is typically treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, otherwise known as NSAIDs.

Splinting

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury, resulting from frequent flexing of the wrist. Wearing a wrist splint that restricts movement and flexing of the wrist can help alleviate symptoms by preventing the wrist from flexing.

Surgery

• Carpal tunnel surgery, also known as open release surgery, can prevent the carpal tunnel from compressing the median nerve. In this surgery, the carpal ligament is cut, which releases the median nerve and tendons from the carpal tunnel.