Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. The condition is caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow space located at the base of the hand. It is surrounded by bones and ligaments. The median nerve controls movement and sensation in the thumb and first three fingers.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can cause pain and disability. The condition is most common in women and people over the age of 40.
What can cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause pain and numbness in the hands and fingers. It is caused by a compressed nerve in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by repetitive motions of the hands and wrists, such as typing or using a mouse. It can also be caused by pregnancy, diabetes, and other medical conditions.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the hands and wrists. It is caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, numbness, and pain in the hand and wrist. The condition can be quite debilitating, and can even lead to loss of hand function.
How do I prevent this?
There are several things you can do to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. First, take breaks often if you are doing activities that require repetition of the same hand and wrist motions. Second, use ergonomic devices to reduce the strain on your hands and wrists. And finally, stretch and exercise your hands and wrists regularly to keep them strong and healthy. By following these simple tips, you can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
What treatments are available?
There are a variety of treatment options available for carpal tunnel syndrome, ranging from conservative measures to surgery. In most cases, conservative treatment is all that is needed to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Conservative treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include splinting, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. These treatments can help to reduce the inflammation and pressure on the median nerve, relieving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
Treatment typically begins with conservative measures, such as resting the hand and wrist, splinting, and over-the-counter medication. If these measures don’t relieve symptoms, surgery may be an option.
If your carpal tunnel syndrome is getting worse and other treatments have not worked, the GP might refer you to a specialist to discuss surgery. Surgery usually help this. You and your specialist will decide together if it's the right treatment for you.
An injection numbs your wrist so you do not feel pain (local anaesthetic) and a small cut is made in your hand. The carpal tunnel inside your wrist is cut so it no longer puts pressure on the nerve. The operation takes around 20 minutes and you do not have to stay in hospital overnight.
It can take a month after the operation to get back to normal activities.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can cause pain and numbness in the hand and wrist. The condition is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome includes splinting, anti-inflammatory medication, and, in some cases, surgery. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome and would like more information on treatment options, please call MSK doctors.