Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and weakness in your hand and fingers.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow area located on the palm side of your wrist. Repeated wrist motion or certain diseases may cause swelling within the tunnel. This swelling pinch the main nerve in the wrist. The main nerve in the wrist is called the median nerve.
What are the causes?
Repeated and forceful wrist and hand motions.
Wrist injuries.
Arthritis.
A cyst or tumour in the carpal tunnel.
Fluid build-up during pregnancy.
Use of tools that vibrate.
Sometimes the cause of this condition is not known.
What increases the risk?
Having a job that requires you to repeatedly or forcefully move your wrist or hand or requires you to use tools that vibrate. This may include jobs that involve using computers, working on an assembly line, or working with power tools such as drills or sanders.
Being a woman.
Having certain conditions, such as Diabetes, Obesity, An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), Kidney failure and Rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the signs or symptoms?
A tingling feeling in your fingers, especially in your thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Tingling or numbness in your hand.
An aching feeling in your entire arm, especially when your wrist and elbow are bent for a long time.
Wrist pain that goes up your arm to your shoulder.
Pain that goes down into your palm or fingers.
A weak feeling in your hands. You may have trouble grabbing and holding items.
Your symptoms may feel worse during the night.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam.
Electromyogram (EMG). This test measures electrical signals sent by your nerves into the muscles.
Nerve conduction study (NCV). This test measures how well electrical signals pass through your nerves.·
X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI: These tests check for possible causes of your condition.
How is this treated?
Lifestyle changes. It is important to stop or change the activity that caused your condition.
Doing exercise and activities to strengthen and stretch your muscles and tendons (physicaltherapy). Making lifestyle changes to help with your condition and learning how to do your daily activities safely (occupational therapy).
Medicines for pain and inflammation. This may include medicine that is injected into your wrist.
A wrist splint or brace.
Surgery: To release the transverse carpal ligament to sooth the pressure on median nerve.