Noticing strange sensations in your fingers or grip issues? A nerve that runs through your wrist may be under pressure. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common hand and wrist condition that can affect anyone, from office workers to athletes. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term damage. Here’s what you need to know about causes, symptoms, and how to treat it effectively.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed. This compression leads to a number of telltale symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
- Hand weakness, especially when gripping objects
- Pain that radiates up the forearm
- Symptoms that worsen at night or with repetitive use
If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain or muscle atrophy in the hand.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to the development of CTS. These include:
- Repetitive hand motions, such as typing or using vibrating tools
- Underlying health conditions, including diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or arthritis
- Pregnancy, due to fluid retention that puts pressure on the nerve
- Wrist anatomy, especially if the carpal tunnel is naturally smaller
- Previous injuries, such as wrist fractures
Understanding what’s behind your symptoms is key to finding effective relief.
Diagnosis and When to See a Specialist
If you're experiencing ongoing numbness, tingling, or hand weakness, it’s time to consult a hand and wrist specialist. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, a detailed history of your symptoms, and diagnostic tests like nerve conduction studies to confirm CTS and rule out other causes.
Exploring Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Conservative options may include:
- Wrist splinting, especially at night: Wearing a splint keeps your wrist in a neutral position while you sleep, reducing pressure on the median nerve.
- Activity modification: Avoiding or adjusting repetitive hand movements can help minimize irritation and prevent symptom flare-ups.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: NSAIDs like ibuprofen can reduce swelling and relieve mild to moderate pain.
- Corticosteroid injections: These injections help reduce inflammation around the nerve, providing temporary but effective symptom relief.
- Surgery: For moderate-to-severe cases, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended. The surgery involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, to widen the tunnel and reduce pressure on the median nerve and restore hand function.
Struggling with hand pain, numbness, or tingling from carpal tunnel syndrome? Book your consultation today for advanced treatment options to restore comfort and function.
About the Author
Dr. Surbhi Panchal is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship trained in hand and upper extremity surgery, specializing in disorders and treatment of the hand, wrist, elbow and arm. She supports a balance of conservative and surgical measures to achieve optimal results for each patient.