Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Are Your Hands Trying to Tell You Something?
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Are Your Hands Trying to Tell You Something?
What You Need to Know
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can cause pain and numbness in your hands. This article breaks down what it is, its symptoms, and how you can manage it.
Contents
- What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Recognizing the Symptoms
- Treatment Options
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel houses this nerve and nine tendons, and increased pressure in this tunnel can lead to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. These symptoms often include numbness, tingling, or pain in the fingers and hand, primarily affecting the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically start gradually, with numbness or tingling in your thumb, index, and middle fingers that comes and goes. Many people find their symptoms worse at night, potentially waking them from sleep. As the condition progresses, you might experience a decreased grip strength, making it difficult to grasp small objects or perform tasks requiring fine motor skills.
Treatment Options
Conservative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist splinting, especially at night, and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms. Corticosteroid injections into the wrist can offer temporary relief for many individuals. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the median nerve, with most patients experiencing significant improvement post-surgery.
FAQs
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist.
What are common symptoms?
Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
How can it be treated?
Treatment options include wrist splints, corticosteroid injections, and surgery.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome get worse over time?
Yes, without treatment, symptoms can progress leading to weakness and loss of coordination.
Key Takeaways
Understanding and early treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome can significantly improve your quality of life.
Additional References
- de Krom MC, Knipschild PG, Kester AD, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome: prevalence in the general population. J Clin Epidemiol 1992; 45:373.
- Stevens JC, Sun S, Beard CM, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome in Rochester, Minnesota, 1961 to 1980. Neurology 1988; 38:134.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.