Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome
What
Is It?
What Are the Symptoms?
What Causes It?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
What Is It?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
(CAR-pull TUN-nel SIN-drome) is a condition that can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and
weakness in your fingers and thumbs. CTS results from pressure on the median nerve in your
wrist.
What Are the
Symptoms?
Top
May include any of the
following:
- Tingling, numbness, weakness, pain in your hand, except for the little finger.
- Shooting pain from your hand up your arm to shoulder.
- A swollen feeling in your fingers.
You may also notice:
- Symptoms are worse at night and early in the morning.
- Hands feel stiff in the morning.
- You have trouble grasping objects.
What Causes
It
Top
-
In many people the cause is unknown.
-
Injuries, such as a wrist or forearm fracture.
-
Arthritis-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
-
Work activities that require repetitive wrist or finger motion.
How Is It
Diagnosed
Top
Detailed medical history, and one or all of the following tests:
-
Tinel's sign: tap the front of your wrist to check for tingling/pain.
-
Phalen's sign: bend wrist down and hold then release to check for tingling/pain.
-
Nerve conduction velocity study: measures nerve's ability to send electrical impulses.
-
Blood test and X-rays: to check for other medical conditions.
-
Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment Options
Top
- Splints
- Medications: Injections of
corticosteroids, NSAIDs
- Work changes: an occupational therapist may help find ways of modifying work activities.
- Surgery: Carpal tunnel release to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.
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