Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when inflammation puts pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel. The median nerve provides sensation to your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

A combination of factors may cause swelling in the wrist that results in abnormal pressure on the median nerve. Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Being born with a smaller carpal tunnel
• Nerve-damaging conditions, like diabetes
• Inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis
• Having a job or hobby that requires working with vibrating equipment or repetitive wrist flexion may also increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

• Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically begin gradually and may come and go at first. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms may include:
• Numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
• Shock-like sensations that radiate to your fingers or up your forearm
• Weakness in the hand that may cause you to drop things

As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, the symptoms may increase in frequency and severity. The pain may be so intense that it wakes you from sleep.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed and treated?

First, your doctor will carefully review your symptoms and medical history. We will perform a physical exam and test the feeling and strength in your fingers and hands. We may also take a digital X-ray or perform a nerve conduction study.

With an early diagnosis, many patients find relief from carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery. We may recommend one or more of the following nonsurgical treatments:

• Wearing a splint or brace
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Steroid injections

If your condition is severe or doesn’t improve with treatment, we may recommend to perform a procedure called carpal tunnel release to relieve pressure on the median nerve.