Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTL) is a relative common disorder of the hand and fingers that appears to be on the rise in recent years. The symptoms can cause much discomfort and suffering. Individuals are encouraged to seek medical attention as this condition can be treated successfully in a majority of cases.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by numbness, tingling, weakness and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. Usually, these sensations develop gradually and start off being worse during the night. The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers (not your little finger).
Who gets carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur at any age but it appears to be more common as one gets older. It is definitely more common in women than men.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Many experts believe that carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by continual repetitive movements or by fluid retention. The symptoms result from compression of one of the nerves that controls sensation and movement in the hands (median nerve).
It is not known why the median nerve becomes compressed in most cases, although certain things are thought to increase the risk of CTS developing. These include:
• a family history of CTS
• pregnancy – up to about 50% of pregnant women develop CTS
• injuries to the wrist
• other health conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
• strenuous, repetitive work with the hand
Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can usually be diagnosed by your doctor, who will examine your hand and wrist and ask you about your symptoms.
Further testing is usually only required if your doctor is uncertain and wants to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment will vary depending on the severity of symptoms and other factors.
In some cases, CTS will disappear without treatment, or simple self-care measures will reduce the symptoms.
If your work involves using a computer keyboard, there is little evidence that modifications at your workplace are likely to be of any help in relieving your symptoms.
CTS in pregnant women often gets better within three months of the baby being born, although in some cases more specific treatment might be needed. In some women, symptoms can continue for more than a year.
The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of stopping symptoms and preventing long-term damage to the nerve.
You may also need medicine for carpal tunnel syndrome or for a health problem that made you likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome.
Non-surgical treatments, such as wrist splints and corticosteroid injections, are used to treat mild or moderate symptoms.
Surgery may be required if non-surgical treatments fail to relieve the symptoms. It may also be used if there is a risk of permanent nerve damage.
Can you prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?
There are no scientific proven ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, but you can minimize stress on your hands and wrists by taking the following precautions:
• Reduce your force and relax your grip. Most people use more force than needed to perform many manual tasks. If your work involves a keyboard, for instance, hit the keys softly.
• Take frequent breaks. Give your hands and wrists a break by gently stretching and bending them periodically. Alternate tasks when possible. If you use equipment that vibrates or that requires you to exert a great amount of force, taking breaks is even more important.
• Watch your form. Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down. A relaxed middle position is best. If you use a keyboard, keep it at elbow height or slightly lower.
• Improve your posture. Incorrect posture can cause your shoulders to roll forward. When your shoulders are in this position, your neck and shoulder muscles are shortened, compressing nerves in your neck. This can affect your wrists, fingers and hands.
Conclusion
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a hand and arm condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve in your wrist. A number of factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have symptoms suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome see your doctor as many cases can be successfully treated.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
