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Information on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The primary nerve to the hand and the tendons to the fingers run through the carpal tunnel, which is located on the inner side of the wrist. When pressure is applied to this area pain, numbness and weakness can result, which is referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically associated with long hours typing on a keyboard, yet there can be other causes.

  1. Symptoms

    • In the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome, there is a faint aching in the wrist. The symptoms can then escalate to a tingling, numbness and pain in the wrist, along with pain moving from the wrist to the shoulder.

    Causes

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure applied to the median nerve. Conditions that can cause this include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders, menopause, injury and the repetitive movement of the hand.

    Risk

    • Women are three times more likely to suffer carpal tunnel syndrome. Other risk factors include obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease and occupations that require repetitive hand movements.

    Test

    • To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, the doctor will test the strength of the hand muscles and feelings in the fingers. The doctor might also run an electromyogram test to check the electrical charges in the muscles or do a nerve conductive study.

    Treatment

    • In the early stages of carpal tunnel, patients should take more frequent work breaks or wear a night splint to ease the condition. Other treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids to relieve pain and decrease inflammation.

    Surgery

    • For advanced or persistent carpal tunnel syndrome lasting for more than six months, surgery may be an option. In surgery the ligament pressing on the nerve is cut.

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