Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is the condition?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compression of the median nerve at the wrist and can cause numbness, tingling or pain in the hand and fingers (particularly the thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger). It is the most common nerve compression syndrome in the upper extremity (arm) and is caused by compression of the nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel, a space in the wrist where the tendons that allow you to make a fist (flexor tendons) and median nerve travel. This condition is often progressive, meaning it can become worse over time. It can cause increasing numbness and pain, which sometimes can wake individuals from sleep and prevent normal use of the hand.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Physical examination is helpful and electrodiagnotic studies can also help confirm the diagnosis. In late stages, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause permanent numbness and weakness of the thumb along with overall dysfunction of the hand.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated with splinting, steroid injection, or surgery. Given the likelihood of becoming worse over time, many patients benefit from surgery.
Please see the attached PDF for more details about carpal tunnel syndrome