Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve is an important nerve that runs from the wrist to the forearm. The median nerve controls sensations and impulses for the fingers and muscles in the hand to move. The carpal tunnel houses the median nerve and tendons. Compression of the median nerve can become compressed in several ways. One way median nerve compression happens is that the carpal tunnel becomes irritated and swells. The swelling and rigidity of the carpal tunnel leads to increased pressure on the median nerve.

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are usually gradual and can include numbness, itching, tingling, and burning in the affected palm, hand, and fingers. Many times, people become aware of carpal tunnel syndrome at night. This night time discovery is related to the fact that people often sleep with their wrists flexed. The carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms then lead to feelings of tingling and burning during the day. Carpal tunnel affects people in many different intensity and severity levels. The condition leaves some sufferers increasingly unable to grasp small objects. Carpal tunnel syndrome could even progress to the point that the sufferer can not distinguish between cold and hot.

Many factors contribute to the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome. For most, carpal tunnel syndrome is due to genetic predisposition. The carpal tunnel varies in size from person to person. People who have smaller carpal tunnels are more at risk to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Although predisposition offers a major contribution to carpal tunnel syndrome onset, wrist injuries, over activity of the pituitary gland, and hypothyroidism also increase the risk. Repeated use of vibrating tools, fluid retention, and work stress are also sited as carpal tunnel syndrome contributors. While some people associate repetitive forceful movements with the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome, there is no clinical evidence that proves the link. Repetitive motion disorders such as bursitis or tendonitis are in a class by themselves and are unrelated to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Women are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. This may be because their carpal tunnels are naturally smaller than men’s. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually affects a person’s dominant hand first. The dominant hand also tends to be where the most severe effects of carpal tunnel syndrome are felt.

Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome can include many steps. A physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck will be completed to rule out other motion disorders. The wrist is thoroughly examined for tenderness, swelling, warmth, and discoloration. You will also be asked for history of the problem including onset, duration, and intensity of the condition. Each of the fingers will be checked for individual strength. The health care provider will also perform a variety of tests to try to produce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. These tests will be performed on various affected areas per health care provider discretion. If necessary, the health care provider will order additional tests to confirm the carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis. These tests could include electro diagnostic tests, ultrasound, and MRI testing.

Carpal tunnel syndrome should be treated as early as possible to reduce the pain and further effects of the condition. It is important that any underlying causes of carpal tunnel syndromes be treated before carpal tunnel syndrome issues are treated. The initial treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is resting the affected area for at least 2 weeks. Applying cool compresses to the affected areas help with inflammation. Immobilization may be recommended to avoid further damaging the nerves.

There are many things that can be done to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Medications and exercise play a big role in carpal tunnel syndrome treatment. Some have found relief using alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture or yoga. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel release surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. It is performed wile the patient is under local anesthesia and does not require an overnight hospital stay. Full recovery from carpal tunnel release surgery can take months. While some will need to have physical therapy to regain wrist strength, most will make a full recovery with no long lasting effects.