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The median nerve is an important structure that provides fingers with movement and feeling. Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to the pressure on the median nerve as it travels through the wrist. Also known as median nerve compression at the wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the hand and arm.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes and Risk Groups
Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly observed in people who work with computers as it occurs if the wrist is consistently bent. Manual laborers, textile workers, butchers, housewives, and people who are involved in handcrafts also complain from symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. People between the ages of 40 and 60 and women make up the risk group for the syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also develop due to hormonal reasons and it is common place to observe the symptoms during pregnancy. However, the ailment subsides once pregnancy is over in these cases. Diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, obesity or gout also increase the risk of nerve compression at the wrist. The following people carry a high risk of experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome:
- People who strain their wrist (e.g. people working with computers)
- People with narrow carpal tunnel (structural factors)
- People who sleep with their hands under their head (habitual factors)
- Musicians who play the piano or string instruments (especially those with heavy gauge such as the bass)
- Women
- People between 40-60 years of age
- Pregnant women (hormonal reasons)
- People with diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, gout, obesity etc.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Weakness in the hand; quick exhaustion
- Tingling sensation, especially in the first three fingers
- Pain in the hand
- Numbness in the fingers
- Weakness in the arm
- Numbness in the arm
- Pain in the arm
Diagnosis
If you have the symptoms listed above, it is likely that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Nonetheless, you need to consult an orthopaedist for a final diagnosis to be established since this syndrome can be mistaken for other ailments. Final diagnosis is decided after medical examination followed by a nerve examination test called EMG (electromyography). EMG shows whether electrical signals are conveyed properly within the nerves.
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Elementary nerve compression can be treated via anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections. Such non-surgical methods can alleviate swelling and help regress the symptoms. Other practices such as resting the hand, hand exercises, physiotherapy and wrist splint can also be suggested. However, if there is no sign of recovery, carpal tunnel syndrome surgery may be necessary. The surgical procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome is carried out by making a small incision between the palm of the hand and the wrist. With this micro intervention, the surgeon accesses the carpal tunnel and releases the tissue causing the compression. This is an extremely comfortable, short, and effective operation that lasts about 15 minutes. Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery patients are discharged on the same day and they can return to their routine in no time.