Carpal tunnel

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a medical condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel—a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand—houses the median nerve and tendons.

Causes

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. Most likely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition - the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. Other contributing factors include trauma or injury to the wrist that cause swelling, such as sprain or fracture, overactivity of the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, work stress, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause, or the development of a cyst or tumor in the canal.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may include: numbness, tingling, burning, and pain primarily in the thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers, occasional shock-like sensations that radiate to the thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers, pain or tingling that may travel up the forearm toward the shoulder, weakness and clumsiness in the hand, making it difficult to perform fine movements such as buttoning your clothes, dropping things, in severe or chronic cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away, some people are unable to tell between hot and cold by touch.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is based on the symptoms and physical examination of the patient. Additional tests may include: Electromyography, Nerve conduction studies, X-ray, Ultrasound, and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment

Treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may include: Non-surgical treatments such as wrist splinting, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and Physical therapy, Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve, and Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may include: maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity and a balanced diet, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, using correct posture and wrist position, using a properly adjusted chair and ergonomic keyboard at work, and using hand and wrist exercises to strengthen these areas.