Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Relieve the Pressure.
Restore Hand Function.
Targeted treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome focused on relieving nerve compression, reducing symptoms and helping you regain comfortable hand and wrist function.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
A nerve and the associated tendons travel from the forearm into the hand through a narrow passageway in the wrist and palm called the carpal tunnel. The nerve that passes through this tunnel is called the median nerve.
The carpal tunnel is only wide enough to accommodate the median nerve and the associated tendons. Any swelling or structure that occupies additional space within the tunnel can cause compression of these tissues.
Compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel can cause numbness and tingling in the areas supplied by the nerve. This condition is known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Any condition that causes irritation, inflammation, fluid accumulation, or abnormal tissue growth within or around the carpal tunnel may contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Potential causes include:
- Repetitive movements of the hand, wrist, or fingers
- Excessive computer use
- Frequent use of hand tools
- Use of vibrating equipment
- Bone fractures
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal factors
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Hypothyroidism
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may affect one or both hands, with symptoms sometimes extending into the arm. These symptoms result from compression of the median nerve.
The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. It also supplies muscles involved in thumb movement.
Common symptoms include:
- Tingling, burning, and numbness in the first three fingers and half of the fourth finger
- Increasing pain in the wrist, hand, and fingers during:
- Wrist, hand, or finger movements
- Sleep, with symptoms sometimes waking the patient
- Weakness or clumsiness when moving the hand
- Reduced grip strength
- Difficulty touching the little finger with the thumb
- Frequently dropping objects
- Pain radiating toward the arm
How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through clinical examination, supplemented by electromyography (EMG).
How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?
There are several treatment options available for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
A hand and wrist splint can be used to rest the fingers, hand, and wrist in their natural positions and prevent excessive movement. This can be an effective method for reducing pressure within the carpal tunnel.
If pain does not improve, a small dose of corticosteroid or local anesthetic may be injected into the wrist.
Various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers may also be used to reduce pain and inflammation. In pregnant women, these medications should only be used on the recommendation of the physician overseeing the pregnancy.
In persistent cases, a minor surgical procedure may be required.
How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery Performed?
Carpal tunnel surgery is an outpatient, day-case procedure performed under local anesthesia and does not generally require hospitalization.
Through a small incision of approximately 2 cm near the wrist on the palm side of the hand, the ligament causing the compression is released to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Following the procedure, patients generally return to normal function within 4–6 weeks.
What Complications Can Occur After Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
The likelihood of complications following carpal tunnel surgery is quite low.
Potential complications include:
- Complications related to local anesthesia
- Infection
- Tendon adhesions or injury
- Recurrent nerve compression
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