Medically reviewed on 8/14/2019 by Dr. Nassim Assefi
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the hands and arms experience pain, numbness and tingling due to the compression of the median nerve that travels through the wrist. Multiple factors can be attributed to this syndrome, namely heredity, repeating the same wrist motion over time, prolonged extreme flexion of the wrist, and pregnancy, as well as health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid imbalance.Â
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms
Most carpal tunnel patients complain of numbness, tingling and pain primarily in their thumbs, as well their index, middle and ring fingers. This pain may also extend to their forearms and shoulders. Occasionally, you might experience shock-like sensations and may find it difficult to perform tasks that require hand movements. Symptoms might even aggravate during night time, especially for patients who sleep with their wrists bent.Â
The issue can be resolved using both surgical and nonsurgical methods. The decision to undergo surgery depends on the severity of the symptoms. For prolonged pain, carpal tunnel surgery is usually recommended by the physician.Â
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes and risk factors
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a result of the pressure on the median nerve, which runs from your forearm through a passageway in the wrist. This nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the thumb and fingers, as well as moving the muscles around the thumb base. Thus, anything that irritates this nerve results in carpal tunnel syndrome. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can experience swelling and inflammation that can narrow the carpal tunnel. A wrist fracture can also cause narrowing of the tunnel.
Risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndromeÂ
There are multiple risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Underlying disease: It could develop due to a wrist fracture, dislocation, arthritis, diabetes, nerve damage, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, kidney failure or obesity.Â
- Imbalance in the body fluids: Fluid retention can increase the pressure within the carpal tunnel, thus irritating the median nerve.
- Gender: Carpal tunnel is more common in women, as women are more likely to have relatively smaller carpal tunnels, compared to men.
- Workplace: If your job requires repeated flexing of the wrist, it may create pressure on the carpal tunnel.Â
You can read more about the risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Common question and answers on carpal tunnel syndrome
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
The doctor might ask you to detail your symptoms and do a physical examination to test the sensation in your fingers and the muscle strength in your hands. They might recommend getting an X-ray, electromyogram or nerve conduction study to accurately diagnose the issue.Â
Does carpal tunnel syndrome have a cure?
It is advised that carpal tunnel syndrome be treated as early as possible. If it is diagnosed early, nonsurgical methods may help with the syndrome, including wrist splinting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. If it is caused by inflammatory arthritis, then treating it might reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Sometimes, the doctor might recommend surgery if the symptoms are too severe. The pressure on the median nerve is relieved by cutting the ligament pressing on it. There are two ways the surgery is performed: endoscopic surgery (which involves making a small incision by using a telescope-like device) and open surgery.Â
Where can I find a doctor for carpal tunnel treatment near me?
At Zocdoc.com! You can book an appointment with top-rated doctors who are available for treating carpal tunnel syndrome in your location. Booking is simple, secure and free!
How much does carpal tunnel treatment cost?
The carpal tunnel syndrome treatment costs might vary based on your location, insurance provider and other factors.Â
Source:
Mayo Clinic
