What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. When the median nerve is compressed, it can cause discomfort and pain.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually start gradually and include:
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers or hand that can travel from the wrist up the arm.
- Weakness in the hand due to numbness or weakness of the thumb’s pinching muscles which are controlled by the median nerve.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is due to pressure on the median nerve. Anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space can cause irritation. This may also be due to swelling and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis or other diseases.
Often times, there is no single cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although there are not risks directly related to carpal tunnel syndrome, certain factors may increase the risk of developing, including:
- People who have smaller carpal tunnels.
- Being a woman.
- Having certain chronic illnesses, such as diabetes.
- Having certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
- Being obese.
- Fluid retention.
- Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, kidney failure and lymphedema.
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Without proper treatment, permanent nerve and muscle damage can occur. Your provider will perform a physical exam and review medical history. Diagnostic images, such as X-ray or MRI may be necessary to help with diagnosis. Your provider may recommend nonsurgical treatments, including:
- Bracing or splinting
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Nerve gliding exercises
- Steroid injections
If nonsurgical treatments do not provide symptom relief, your provider may recommend surgery called Carpal Tunnel Release based on the following factors:
- Severity of symptoms
- Physical exam findings
- Response to non-operative treatment
- Results of testing
During carpal tunnel release, your surgeon will make an incision in the palm of the hand over the carpal tunnel ligament to cut through the ligament and relieve pressure on the median nerve.
You will likely be in a heavy bandage or a splint for 1 to 2 weeks. It is normal to have pain in your hand and wrist following surgery but can be controlled with medication. Your provider will likely recommend physical therapy to teach motion exercises and improve the strength of your wrist and hand. Recovery will take anywhere from a few days to a few months.