Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by excessive pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The median nerve provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, except the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to the muscles around the base of the thumb.
When the median nerve is compressed, symptoms can include pain, numbness, and tingling. Usually the thumb, index, middle or ring fingers are affected, but not the little finger. These symptoms often occur while holding objects, or may wake you from sleep. Many people shake their hands to relieve their symptoms. If untreated, weakness may develop resulting in loss of grip strength and cause you to drop objects.
A number of conditions are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome including, diabetes, pregnancy, arthritis, and repetitive use. Nerve conduction studies can confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and rule out other conditions.
If carpal tunnel syndrome is confirmed, treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms. Conservative treatments include activity modification, physiotherapy, and wrist splinting. Steroid injections into the wrist are also effective and provide temporary relief for most patients. Surgery (carpal tunnel release) may be recommended for more severe cases or those who do not improve with conservative treatments.
