Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
• Weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects
• Worsening symptoms at night

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Repetitive hand movements
• Wrist anatomy
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid dysfunction
• Pregnancy

Treatment

Non-surgical

Rest: Avoid activities that worsen symptoms.

Wrist Splints: Wearing a wrist splint at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position.

Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Corticosteroid Injections: Injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

Surgical

If non-surgical treatments do not relieve symptoms, surgery may be considered. Surgical options include:

Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A procedure to cut the ligament pressing on the median nerve.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to guide the cutting of the ligament.

Prevention

Ergonomic Adjustments: Adjusting the position of your desk, chair, and computer to reduce strain on your wrists.

Taking Breaks: Taking regular breaks from repetitive tasks to rest your hands and wrists.

Wrist Exercises: Performing exercises to strengthen and stretch the wrist and hand muscles.

Prognosis

With proper treatment, most people with carpal tunnel syndrome experience relief from symptoms. Early intervention can help prevent permanent nerve damage and improve the overall outcome.