What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, a narrow confined space. Since the median nerve provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and three middle fingers, many symptoms may result.

Facts about carpal tunnel syndrome

The National Center for Health Statistics states that approximately 260,000 carpal tunnel release surgeries are performed each year, with nearly 47 percent of these work-related.

Carpal tunnel syndrome accounts for the highest average number of days lost at work, when compared to all other major work-related injuries or illnesses.

About 1 percent of people with carpal tunnel syndrome may develop permanent injury to the affected hand.

Although is it rare, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may reoccur after surgery, in approximately 5 percent of patients.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome have no specific cause, although any/all of the following may serve as a contributing factor:

• frequent, repetitive, small movements with the hands (such as with typing or using a keyboard)
• frequent, repetitive, grasping movements with the hands (such as with sports and certain physical activities)
• joint or bone disease (i.e., arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• hormonal or metabolic changes (i.e., menopause, pregnancy, thyroid imbalance)
• changes in blood-sugar levels (may be seen with type 2 diabetes)
• other conditions or injuries of the wrist (i.e., strain, sprain, dislocation, break, or swelling and inflammation)

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The following are the most common symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• difficulty making a fist
• difficulty gripping objects with the hand(s)
• pain and/or numbness in the hand(s)
• "pins and needles" feeling in the fingers
• swollen feeling in the fingers
• burning or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome:

Specific treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• splinting of the hand (to help prevent wrist movement and decrease the compression of the nerves inside the tunnel)
• oral or injected (into the carpal tunnel space) anti-inflammatory medications (to reduce the swelling)
• surgery (to relieve compression on the nerves in the carpal tunnel)
• changing position of a computer keyboard, or other ergonomic changes

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome:

In general, the surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is performed in an outpatient location under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the wrist area. The tissue that is pressing on the nerves will then be cut, in order to decrease the pressure.

After the surgery, the wrist may be immobilized in a large dressing and wrist brace to help stabilize the area. The splint is usually worn continuously for the first two weeks after the surgery, but then is used intermittently for the next month or so. There is a moderate degree of pain in the hand after the surgery, which is usually controlled with pain medications taken orally. The surgeon may also have you keep the affected hand elevated while sleeping at night.

The length of recovery varies for each individual. If the nerve has been compressed for a long period of time, recovery may take longer. Movement of the fingers and wrists are encouraged a few days following surgery to help prevent stiffness.

Your physician will discuss post-operative activities and restrictions with you.