Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a passageway of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand. Tendons in the hand that become irritated can pinch one of the primary nerves in the wrist – a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition primarily occurs in adults, and women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. People with diabetes or other disorders that directly affect the body’s nerves are also at high risk.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
In some cases, no cause can be identified. However, the condition is often the result of a combination of factors, including trauma or injury to the wrist, rheumatoid arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, work stress, and repeated use of vibrating hand tools. Contrary to public opinion, there is little evidence to confirm that repetitive or forceful movements of the hand and wrist will cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Usually, symptoms start gradually, with burning, tingling or numbness in the hand and fingers. Initial symptoms are often experienced at night when many people sleep with flexed wrists. As the condition worsens, symptoms are experienced during the day with more severe sensations and pain that can make it difficult to form a fist or grasp small objects.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
In addition to physical examination, providers use a variety of tests to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. Some tests try to produce the symptoms of the condition by tapping or pressing on the patient’s wrist or by having the patient press the backs of their hands together. Tests referred to as electro-diagnostic may also be used to measure the electrical activity of the wrist or the speed with which nerves transmit impulses.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Initial treatment involves resting the affected hand and wrist, and avoiding the activities that may cause the condition to get worse. Pain medications are sometimes prescribed, and in some cases, injections in the wrist can provide relife.
Some patients may require surgery, either open-release surgery (the more traditional procedure) or endoscopic surgery (a procedure that employs a tiny camera used by the physician to view the inside of the wrist). Both surgeries consist of making an incision in the wrist and then cutting the carpal ligament, which enlarges the carpal tunnel. Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia, and neither surgery requires an overnight hospital stay.
What is the prognosis of carpal tunnel syndrome?
If properly treated, recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome is rare, and full recovery is achieved by the majority of patients.
If you think you might be a victim of carpal tunnel syndrome, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could help relieve symptoms. If your symptoms persist, count on the Spine, Pain, & Rehabilitation Center of Colorado for advice and treatment.
In more severe cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, consult with the experienced Spine, Pain & Rehabilitation Center of Colorado. At their office in Denver, Colorado Dr. Gin-Ming Hsu, M.D., is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and holds Sub-Specialty Board Certifications in Pain Medicine. His specialty allows him to treat acute and chronic pain disorders with an emphasis on non-surgical care.