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About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs due to pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of the hand, surrounded by bones and ligaments.
When the median nerve gets compressed, it can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and arm.
In cases where non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended. Carpal tunnel surgery helps relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce pain, and restore normal hand function and mobility.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve at the wrist becomes compressed within the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway at the base of the hand. The median nerve controls sensation and movement of the thumb and first three fingers.
When this nerve is compressed, it can lead to symptoms such as numbness, pain, and tingling in the hand and arm.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition and can worsen over time, making early diagnosis and treatment important. In mild cases, wrist splints and activity modification may provide relief. However, if symptoms persist, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve, restore hand function, and prevent long-term nerve damage.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can develop due to several factors that increase pressure on the median nerve in the wrist:
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Wrist injuries like fractures, dislocations, or arthritis that reduce space in the carpal tunnel
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More common in women due to smaller wrist structure
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Conditions like thyroid disorders, kidney failure, and menopause
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Pregnancy or hormonal changes causing fluid retention
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Obesity increasing pressure on nerves
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Repetitive hand movements or wrist strain at work
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These factors can compress the median nerve and lead to symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms usually develop gradually and may include:
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Tingling or numbness: Especially in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers (not usually the little finger). It may feel like an electric shock and can sometimes spread from the wrist to the arm.
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Night-time discomfort: Symptoms often worsen at night, causing sleep disturbance.
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Hand weakness: Difficulty gripping objects or frequent dropping of things.
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Shaking relief: People often shake their hands to reduce numbness or tingling.
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Progressive numbness: Over time, symptoms may become more constant.
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
During a physical examination, the doctor evaluates symptoms, medical history, occupation, and overall health. The affected hand and wrist are checked using several clinical tests:
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Tapping or pressing over the median nerve to check for tingling or numbness
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Bending and holding the wrist to see if symptoms appear
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Testing finger sensitivity using light touch (often with eyes closed)
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Checking for muscle weakness or wasting at the base of the thumb
After the physical exam, additional tests may be recommended:
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Nerve Conduction Study: Checks how well electrical signals travel through the median nerve and detects nerve damage
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Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles to assess nerve and muscle damage
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X-ray: Helps rule out other conditions like fractures, arthritis, or bone-related issues
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MRI Scan: Provides detailed images of soft tissues to detect nerve compression, swelling, tumors, or other abnormalities
These tests help confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Reduce your force and relax your grip : If your work involves a cash register or keyboard, for instance, hit the keys softly. For prolonged handwriting, use a big pen with an oversized, soft grip adapter and free-flowing ink.
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Take short, frequent breaks : Gently stretch and bend hands and wrists periodically. Alternate tasks when possible. This is especially important if you use equipment that vibrates or that requires you to exert a great amount of force. Even a few minutes each hour can make a difference.
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Watch your form : Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down. A relaxed middle position is best. Keep your keyboard at elbow height or slightly lower.
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Improve your posture :Incorrect posture rolls shoulders forward, shortening the neck and shoulder muscles and compressing nerves in the neck. This can affect the wrists, fingers and hands, and can cause neck pain.
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Change your computer mouse : Make sure that your computer mouse is comfortable and doesn't strain your wrist.
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Keep your hands warm :You're more likely to develop hand pain and stiffness if you work in a cold environment. If you can't control the temperature at work, put on fingerless gloves that keep the hands and wrists warm.
OUR SPECIALISTS DOCTORS
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is treated with a surgical procedure called Carpal Tunnel Release, which helps relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel.
The two techniques of carpal tunnel release surgery are:
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Open carpal tunnel release surgery: A small incision is made in the palm to access the wrist. The surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament to enlarge the tunnel and reduce pressure on the nerve.
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Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery: A minimally invasive procedure where a small camera (endoscope) is inserted through a tiny incision. Special instruments are used to cut the ligament, reducing nerve pressure with faster recovery and smaller scars.
