Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Causes: Carpal tunnel syndrome is common and usually no cause is found. Occasionally it may be due to an injury to the wrist, pregnancy, arthritis, diabetes or other medical condition. The symptoms are due to pressure on the median nerve in a tunnel at the wrist – the “carpal tunnel”
  • Symptoms: Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Pain may also be felt in the wrist and arm.
  • Diagnosis: Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through a physical examination and nerve conduction studies, which measure the electrical activity of the median nerve.
  • Treatment: Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include non-surgical treatments such as splinting, physical therapy, and medications, and surgical treatments such as carpal tunnel release surgery, which takes the pressure off the median nerve by opening the tunnel. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the overall health of the patient.
  • Prognosis: With proper treatment, the prognosis for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome is good, and most patients have relief from their symptoms.

It is important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. The team will be able to provide you with more detailed information about your specific situation and help you understand what to expect.