What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS can be caused by various factors, including:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand. This nerve passes through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. When the nerve becomes compressed due to swelling, inflammation, or injury, it can cause:

Repetitive or forceful hand and wrist movements, such as typing, sewing, or using tools Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause that lead to fluid retention and swelling Underlying health conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or rheumatoid arthritis Wrist injuries or fractures that alter bone alignment Genetic predisposition or naturally narrow carpal tunnels

  • Numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
  • Weakness or clumsiness in the hand or wrist
  • Difficulty gripping or holding objects
  • Symptoms that worsen at night or upon waking up.

Diagnosis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is diagnosed through a combination of symptom assessment and physical examination. Some common tests include:

  • Tinel’s Test: Lightly tapping the median nerve at the wrist to check for tingling or pain
  • Phalen’s Test: Bending the wrist forward for about a minute to see if symptoms appear
  • Nerve Conduction Study: Measuring how quickly electrical signals travel through the median nerve

Treatment Options:

The treatment for CTS depends on the severity of the symptoms and underlying causes. Some common approaches include:

  • Wearing a wrist splint at night to reduce pressure on the nerve
  • Taking pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to ease discomfort
  • Performing hand and wrist exercises to improve flexibility and strength
  • Adjusting work habits or using ergonomic tools to prevent strain
  • Receiving steroid injections to reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve symptoms
  • Undergoing surgery to release pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel
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How We Can Help

We offer treatment options that range from temporary relief measures to long-term solutions. If necessary, we can provide steroid injections to reduce symptoms or assist with surgical intervention to help you recover faster and return to daily activities comfortably.

Prevention Tips

While it may not be possible to completely prevent CTS, these steps can help reduce the risk:

  • Taking frequent breaks from repetitive hand and wrist activities
  • Using ergonomic tools and maintaining a neutral wrist position
  • Applying ice or heat to relieve discomfort
  • Keeping the hand elevated to reduce swelling
  • Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated for overall nerve health
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