Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition brought on by increased pressure on the median nerve in the hand. The median nerve controls muscles used for gripping and the coordination of fine movements. The nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, a passageway in the base of the hand that is also a conduit for the flexor tendons of the fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through this tunnel in the hand. When compressed, the median nerve causes numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in the hand and wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common peripheral nerve compression syndrome.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms include pain and numbness in the hand, including the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. More severe cases may also lead to a weak grip and pain in the hand and wrist. Often patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome have difficulty sleeping at night due to the pain and numbness.

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

While the majority of cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are idiopathic (unknown), there is some evidence that an individual's anatomy and occupational exposures may play a role in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment usually begins with wrist splints, especially at night, and anti-inflammatory medications. Steroid injections into the carpal tunnel may also provide relief of symptoms. Ultimately, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.

If surgery is necessary, are there minimally invasive options?

Wayne Weil, MD, an orthopedic surgeon practicing at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle, is one of the only surgeons in the Seattle area performing a newer procedure for median nerve compression called Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release surgery. A 30-minute outpatient surgical procedure, it's performed using only regional anesthetic while the patient is awake. The endoscopic technology allows the surgeon to dramatically reduce the incision size. Patients who undergo this minimally invasive procedure experience a faster recovery time and less painand equal clinical results to traditional open carpal tunnel release surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

By: Wayne Weil

POST COMMENT

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Premenstrual Syndrome Relief From Goodbye Pms Clinic Sjogren's Syndrome: How Will Affect You? What Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome A Brief Overview On Irritable Bowel Syndrome What Is Premenstrual Syndrome? Reckoning With Zollinger-ellison Syndrome How To Recognize, Treat And Survive Toxic Shock Syndrome Asperger's Syndrome How Turner's Syndrome is Tested for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Remedy - There Is Relief Irritable Bowel Syndrome Information - Keeping Life Normal