Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Health Information

Top : Conditions and Diseases : Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Learn About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:


Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand houses the median nerve and tendons. Thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. This causes pain, weakness, or numbness in the hands or wrist that can shoot up the arm.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, perhaps because the carpal tunnel itself may be smaller in women than in men. The dominent hand is often affected first. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs only in adults. Carpal tunnel syndrome is especially common in those performing assembly line work - manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, and meat, poultry, or fish packing. In fact, carpal tunnel syndrome is three times more common among assemblers than among data-entry personnel.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
  • frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in palm of hand and fingers
  • fingers feel useless and swollen
  • symptoms occur first during the night
  • may feel need to "shake out" the hand or wrist
  • when symptoms worsen, may feel tingling during the day
  • some people are unable to tell between hot and cold by touch

Cures / Preventions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Carpal tunnel syndrom can be prevented by:
  • doing on-the-job conditioning - stretching exercises
  • frequent rest breaks
  • wearing splints to keep wrists straight
  • use correct posture and wrist position

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Initial treatment generally involves resting the affected hand and wrist for at least 2 weeks, avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms, and immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending.

Non-surgical treatments include:
  • Drugs - various drugs can ease the pain and swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Exercise - Stretching and strengthening exercises can be helpful in people whose symptoms have abated.
  • Alternative therapies - Acupuncture and chiropractic care have benefited some patients but their effectiveness remains unproved.
Surgical Treatment
  • Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. Generally recommended if symptoms last for 6 months, surgery involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. Surgery is done under local anesthesia and does not require an overnight hospital stay.

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