Expert Guidance
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition which involves the compression of the median nerve. The median nerve is situated on the palm side of the wrist and hand, and provides feeling to parts of the hand including the long finger, index finger, ring finger and thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome can arise in one or both hands. The condition can cause pain, weakness and numbness in the hand.
Women are more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome. There are certain conditions which make you prone including certain repetitive occupations; such as jobs in construction, manufacturing, and desk-based occupations which require a lot of typing.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition which involves the compression of the median nerve. The median nerve is situated on the palm side of the wrist and hand, and provides feeling to parts of the hand including the long finger, index finger, ring finger and thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome can arise in one or both hands. The condition can cause pain, weakness and numbness in the hand.
Women are more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome. There are certain conditions which make you prone including certain repetitive occupations; such as jobs in construction, manufacturing, and desk-based occupations which require a lot of typing.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
One of the predominant symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness in the hand which can cause the sufferer to drop objects. Other symptoms include pain in the thumb and first three fingers; numbness in the thumb and first three fingers; tingling in the thumb and first three fingers; a burning sensation which travels up the forearm; weakness of the hand muscles; and wrist pain.
Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Doctors usually diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome by conducting a physical examination, reviewing your medical history, and if necessary, performing nerve conduction studies.
The carpal tunnel syndrome treatment advised will depend on the nature of the individual's condition, including the severity of the pain and prevalence of other symptoms. Non-surgical methods are considered to be the best course of action in mild cases.
Non-surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist splints to hold the hand in a neutral position; the avoidance of activities or positions which overextend the wrist; the treatment of underlying conditions which may be contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome; medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation; and steroid injections to reduce inflammation.
For cases in which the non-surgical methods of treatment for the condition have proven ineffective, or when damage to the median nerve is classed as severe, surgery should be considered. Procedures are typically focused on dividing the tissue band which crosses the median nerve at the wrist, which reduces the pressure on the nerve. The outcome of the procedure is usually good, and factors which can influence success include symptom duration and patient age.