Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a 'tunnel' created by the bones of the wrist and the ligaments surrounding it. The bones of the wrist form a curved shape that cups the nerves and tendons and ligaments of the forearm and hand. The tunnel is then closed off by a ligament that surrounds the wrist like a band.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in brought on by a pinching of the median nerve, a nerve running through the carpal tunnel controlling feeling and movement in parts of the hand. The pinching of the nerve is brought on by a swelling or inflammation of the nerve or nine tendons running through the tunnel.

Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, numbness, tingling or a combination of all three usually felt in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Symptoms are usually felt at night and occasionally during the day. A loss of grip strength and clumsiness may also be noticed and if the condition is bad enough sensation can be completely lost in the thumb and the muscles at the base of the thumb can atrophy or shrink causing further decreases in grip strength.

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome is most often caused by keeping the wrist bent for long periods of time causing increased pressure in the carpal tunnel leading to the pinching of the nerve. Most people will find themselves in this compromised wrist position while sitting at a computer typing. The syndrome can also be brought on by fluid retention in the area during pregnancy and joint dislocations, fractures, and arthritis can narrow the tunnel causing the pinching of the nerve.

Treatment

The treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome most often revolves around eliminating the conditions causing it. For example, creating a more ergonomically sound desk or computer set up will alleviate conditions caused by increased time spent typing. The keyboard should be low enough that the person does not have to lift their arms and the wrists should comfortably lay straight while typing. The wrists can also be splinted at night in a straight position to take pressure off of the tunnel. In other cases a steroid injection can be used to relieve inflammation in the tunnel.

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