Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist leading to pain, paresthesias and muscle weakness in the forearm and hand. It is more common in women than men and affects up to 10 percent of the population. It is caused by increased pressure on a nerve entering the hand through the confined space of the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand ¾ houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. CTS has become more common in the U.S. and is quite costly in terms of time lost from work and expensive medical treatment. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that in 2003 the average number of missed days of work due to CTS was 23 days, costing over $2 billion a year. It is thought that about 3.7 percent of the general public in this country suffer from CTS.

Carpus is a word derived from the Greek word "karpos" which means "wrist." The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and is often particularly troublesome at night. A major nerve, specifically the median nerve, travels down the arm and enters the hand through the carpal tunnel, which is located in the central part of the wrist. Because the carpal tunnel is surrounded by bone on one side, and an inflexible sheath on the other, if pressure builds, the nerve has nowhere to go. Simply put, in carpal tunnel syndrome the nerve gets squished. When carpal tunnel syndrome occurs, the median nerve is pinched, and the normal functions (as described above) are impaired. Problems that can occur in carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and other problems typical of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome :

• Pressure on median nerve and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause
• Alcoholism.
• Trauma or injury to the wrist
• Repetitive and forceful movements of the hand.
• Hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Mechanical problems in the wrist joint or work stress.
• Incorrect sleeping position.
• Tendons in the carpal tunnel or overactivity of the pituitary gland.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Some common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome :

• Tingling .
• Weakness .
• Numbness .
• Swelling of the wrist .
• Pain extending to the elbow.

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be treated with following treatments :

• Alternative therapies like Acupuncture and chiropractic.
• Exercise Stretching and strengthening exercises only under supervision of a physical therapist.
• It is divided in two types depending on situation, Open release surgery and Endoscopic surgery
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers. Other medicines like Corticosteroids can also be taken with the consult of doctor or physician.
• Rest.

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