Carpal Tunne Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common problem that affects the hand,
wrist and fingers. This condition occurs when there is increased
pressure on the median nerve at the wrist.
The median nerve travels from the forearm into the hand
through a “tunnel” in your wrist – the carpal tunnel. Wrist bones form
the bottom and sides of the tunnel and a ligament covers the top. This
tunnel also contains nine tendons. Increased pressure within the carpal
tunnel squeezes the median nerve. Eventually the pressure affects the
functioning of the nerve which may result in numbness, tingling and
pain.
Your doctor may confirm the diagnosis of CTS by the
following: a physical examination, an x-ray and an EMG
(electromyography)or NCS (nerve conduction study) will be ordered to
determine the severity of the CTS.
Causes include anything that causes swelling of the
tendons or decreases the space in the carpal tunnel, such as,
repetitive use of the hand and wrist or regular use of vibrating
instruments. Some other causes could be, fractures (broken bones in the
hand or wrist) arthritis, thyroid disease, diabetes and pregnancy.
Symptoms of CTS may include: numbness and tingling in the
hand (often at night or after use), aching or pain that may radiate up
the forearm towards the shoulder, a feeling that you have “poor
circulation” making you shake your hands to try and restore the
circulation,
and clumsiness or weakness in handling objects.
Treatment includes:
• Wearing a wrist splint to keep the wrist from bending may treat mild cases.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to decrease
swelling and pain.
• A small cortisone injection into the carpal tunnel may be given to decrease inflammation.
If these simple measures fail to control your
symptoms, a carpal tunnel release may be required to reduce the
pressure on the median nerve and prevent irreversible damage.
The surgery is an outpatient procedure. The procedure itself takes approximately 15
minutes, although you will be at the hospital for a total of approximately 3 hours.
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