This article will discuss what carpal tunnel syndrome is, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine offers expert care for CTS at our offices in Granville and Coshocton, Ohio. Our team of orthopedic specialists provides personalized treatment plans to effectively treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey towards relief!
The wrist is a complex joint connecting the hand to the forearm. It consists of eight small bones called carpal bones arranged in two rows. These bones are held together by ligaments that stabilize the joint and allow for movement.
One crucial structure in the wrist is the transverse carpal ligament, which forms a band-like structure across the palm side of the wrist. Underneath this ligament runs the median nerve, along with tendons that control finger movement.
The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. It also controls the muscles at the base of the thumb. When the transverse carpal ligament becomes inflamed or thickened, it can compress the median nerve, leading to symptoms like wrist pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the fingers supplied by this nerve.
Understanding the anatomy of the wrist helps in recognizing how problems like carpal tunnel syndrome develop and affect daily activities involving hand and finger movements.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It happens when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. This can occur due to swelling or thickening of the tissues in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome often include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. These sensations typically affect the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. People with CTS may also experience discomfort or pain in the wrist or hand, which can worsen with activities like gripping or holding objects.
Several factors can cause someone to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Repetitive hand movements, like typing or assembly line work, can strain the wrist and contribute to inflammation.
Wrist injuries or fractures that cause swelling inside the tunnel can also lead to CTS. Certain health conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, may predispose individuals to nerve compression. Additionally, hormonal changes, like those during pregnancy, can affect fluid retention and increase pressure on the median nerve.
Other risk factors include obesity, as excess body weight can contribute to inflammation and compression in the carpal tunnel. Women are more likely than men to develop CTS, possibly due to differences in wrist anatomy and hormonal factors. Understanding these causes and risks can help people manage and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome through ergonomic practices, wrist exercises, and timely medical intervention.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms typically include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. These sensations often affect the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. Some people may also experience a burning sensation or weakness in the hand, making it difficult to perform tasks that involve gripping or fine movements.
Symptoms of CTS can worsen at night or during activities that involve bending the wrist, like driving or holding a phone. In mild cases, shaking the hand or moving it around may provide temporary relief.
It’s important to see a doctor if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms of CTS. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further nerve damage.
To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, doctors typically begin with a thorough medical history and physical examination. They will ask about your symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and pain in your hand and fingers, especially at night or during specific activities.
During the physical exam, the doctor may perform tests like the Tinel’s sign and Phalen’s maneuver. For the Tinel’s sign, they’ll lightly tap over the median nerve in your wrist to see if it triggers tingling or numbness in your fingers. The Phalen maneuver involves holding your wrists in a bent position to see if it reproduces your symptoms.
Sometimes, nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) are used to confirm the diagnosis. These tests measure how well the median nerve is functioning and can identify the extent of nerve compression. They involve mild electrical stimulation and recording of nerve responses.
Once diagnosed, your doctor will discuss treatment options based on the severity of your symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing carpal tunnel syndrome effectively and preventing complications.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated in several ways, depending on the severity of symptoms. For mild to moderate cases, doctors often recommend non-surgical treatments. Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, helps keep the wrist in a neutral position and reduces pressure on the median nerve. This can alleviate symptoms like numbness and tingling.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may be prescribed to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel can also help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from symptoms.
Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the muscles around the wrist and hand, improving flexibility and reducing strain on the median nerve.
If conservative treatments don’t alleviate symptoms, or if CTS is severe and causing significant impairment, carpal tunnel syndrome surgery may be recommended. Carpal tunnel release surgery is a common procedure where the surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. This carpal tunnel surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, and recovery time varies but often allows for a return to normal activities within a few weeks.
It’s important to manage CTS symptoms early to prevent permanent nerve damage. Regular breaks during repetitive activities, ergonomic adjustments to workstations, and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms can help manage and prevent the recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the best treatment plan tailored to individual needs and to ensure the most effective way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome.
Managing carpal tunnel syndrome is crucial for alleviating symptoms and preventing long-term complications. Whether through non-surgical methods like wrist splints, medications, and physical therapy, or with carpal tunnel release surgery for severe cases, effective treatment can significantly improve quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as wrist pain, numbness, or tingling in your hand and fingers, don’t hesitate to seek help from specialists who understand these conditions.
Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine offers comprehensive care for carpal tunnel syndrome at our convenient locations in Granville and Coshocton, OH. Our team of orthopedic specialists can provide personalized treatment plans to address your specific needs.
Schedule an appointment today to begin your journey towards relief from carpal tunnel syndrome! Don’t let symptoms interfere with your daily activities—take the first step towards better hand and wrist health.
Medically reviewed by Brad L. Bernacki, MD
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