Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Overview

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway surrounded by ligaments and bones located in the wrist, becomes narrowed or tissues surrounding the flexor tendons swell. This abnormal pressure squeezes and compresses the median nerve, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hard.

This syndrome is more common in women and older people. Early diagnosis and treatment are pivotal as the condition can worsen over time. If left untreated, this extraordinary pressure on the median nerve may permanently damage the nerve and surrounding muscles.

If you begin experiencing symptoms of this condition, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

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Treatment Options

1. Reduce Risk

While Carpal Tunnel Syndrome isn’t completely preventable, there are several ways to help reduce your risk of developing it.

- Take frequent breaks: Alternate repetitive tasks and stretch your hands and wrists whenever possible.
- Maintain proper posture: Poor posture increases your risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Ergonomic keyboards and mice encourage proper wrist posture, and ergonomic chairs help you maintain proper posture while sitting.

2. Wear a wrist splint

Wearing a snug wrist splint stabilizes your wrist and minimizes the pressure placed on your median nerve. You can purchase one at most drug stores, and your doctor may prescribe one.

3. Medication

Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen, can help relieve your pain. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, or anesthetics. Products containing lidocaine may relieve symptoms.

4. Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections decrease inflammation and swelling in the wrist.

5. Surgery

If your symptoms do not respond to non-surgical treatment or worsen, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve the pressure on your median nerve.

Symptoms

Numbness, tingling, burning, and pain primarily in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
Weakness, numbness, or a lack of awareness of where the hand is in space causes you to drop things
Pain and tingling sensation beginning in the wrist and traveling up your arm
Limited range of motion
An occasional shock-like sensation

Diagnostic Tests

Your doctor will review your symptom history and perform a physical examination of your hand and wrist. This typically involves them pressing or tapping the median nerve, examining your range of motion, and testing the sensitivity in your hands and fingertips. They may order a variety of medical tests, such as:

Electrophysiological tests: measures pressure on the median nerve
Ultrasound: searches for signs of compression on the median nerve
Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI

These tests are often used to rule out other potential causes of wrist and hand pain, such as fractures or arthritis.

Causes

Repetitive motions, such as typing or scrolling on your phone, and hand/wrist position, such as maintaining extreme flexion or extension of the hand and wrist for a prolonged period of time
Health conditions such as obesity, arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause swelling
Heredity: Your genetics greatly influence the size of your carpal tunnels
Wrist fracture: These can narrow the carpal tunnel and place undue pressure on the median nerve.

Facts

About 3-6% of adults live with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is potentially the most common nerve disorder. It can be treated effectively using medications, splinting, and surgery. Typically it only affects one hand but can simultaneously affect both hands.