Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common, painful, progressive condition that is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist area.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness and tingling sensation in all the fingers except the little finger, pain and burning sensation in your hand and wrist that may radiate up the arm and elbow, and weakness in your hand with diminished grip strength.

The exact causes of the condition are not known. However, certain factors increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome:

Congenital abnormalities

• Repetitive motion of hand and wrists
• Fractures and sprains
• Hormonal imbalance
• Medical conditions such as
• Hypothyroidism
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Gout
• Overactive pituitary gland
• Presence of a cyst or tumour in the canal

Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be treated using conservative approaches. The conservative treatments include:

• Treating the underlying medical conditions
• Immobilization of the hand and wrist with a splint or wrist brace for 4-6 weeks
• Rest the hand for 2 weeks or more
• Ice packs to avoid swelling
• Avoid activities that tend to worsen the symptoms
• Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections
• Strengthening and stretching exercises once symptoms diminish
• Physical therapy may be ordered to restore your wrist strength.

Eating a healthy diet and not smoking will promote healing.

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