Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist. This pressure can cause numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand and fingers.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger while also controlling several muscles of the hand. Compression of this nerve at the wrist can interfere with both sensation and hand function.
Symptoms May Start Gradually
Symptoms commonly begin as occasional numbness or tingling, particularly at night. As nerve compression progresses, symptoms may become more frequent and can eventually interfere with grip, coordination and everyday activities.
How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome May Feel
Symptoms most often affect the thumb and first several fingers supplied by the median nerve.
Common Symptoms May Include:
Why Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Develop?
Anything that increases pressure within the carpal tunnel can potentially compress or irritate the median nerve.
Repetitive Wrist Use
Repeated hand and wrist movements or prolonged positioning may contribute to irritation and increased pressure around the median nerve.
Underlying Conditions
Diabetes, thyroid disorders, arthritis and other medical conditions may increase the likelihood of nerve compression at the wrist.
Fluid Retention
Hormonal changes and fluid retention, including during pregnancy, may temporarily increase pressure inside the carpal tunnel.
Wrist Anatomy or Injury
Prior wrist injury, swelling or anatomical differences can reduce available space within the tunnel and place additional pressure on the median nerve.
How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically combines a review of symptoms with a physical examination and, when needed, testing of nerve function.
Hand strength, sensation and wrist movement may be evaluated.
Tapping over the median nerve may reproduce tingling in affected fingers.
Measures how quickly electrical signals travel through the median nerve.
EMG testing can evaluate nerve and muscle function when clinically appropriate.
Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment depends on the severity and duration of symptoms. Many patients begin with conservative care before progressing to more advanced treatment when necessary.
Activity Modification
Adjusting repetitive activities and improving wrist positioning may help reduce irritation of the median nerve.
Wrist Splinting
A wrist splint, particularly during sleep, can help maintain a neutral wrist position and reduce pressure on the nerve.
Medication & Injections
Anti-inflammatory treatment or corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation and symptoms in selected patients.
Surgical Evaluation
If symptoms are severe, persistent or associated with nerve damage, carpal tunnel release surgery may be considered.
Don't Ignore Persistent Hand Numbness or Weakness.
Mild carpal tunnel symptoms can sometimes be managed with conservative treatment, but ongoing compression of the median nerve may eventually lead to persistent numbness, weakness or loss of hand function. An evaluation can help determine the severity of nerve involvement and the most appropriate next step.
Experiencing Hand Pain, Tingling or Numbness?
Schedule an evaluation to determine whether carpal tunnel syndrome may be causing your symptoms.