What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

In your wrist, there is a small space called the carpal tunnel. Through this tunnel runs the median nerve and several tendons of muscles that run from the forearm into the wrist and hand. When there is pressure on the median nerve, it can cause numbness/tingling and/or pain into the hand which is called carpal tunnel syndrome.

Conditions that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome include:

  1. Repetitive hand or wrist movements
  2. Obesity,
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis
  4. Gout, diabetes,
  5. Lupus
  6. Hypothyroidism
  7. Fractures
  8. Bone spurs
  9. and several other conditions that decrease space in the carpal tunnel in turn applying pressure on the median nerve.

 
Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common in those who remain in the same position for prolonged periods, such as working on a computer, occupations that require repetitive wrist/hand movements, and forceful hand movements.

what-is-carpal-tunnel

Symptoms of carpal tunnel include:

  1. Numbness in the hand, specifically the thumb, index finger, and middle finger,
  2. Numbness and pain that increases with hand or wrist movements
  3. Stiffness in your fingers in the morning
  4. Accidentally dropping objects
  5. Weakness in the hand (Many times, those with carpal tunnel will experience it in both hands).

 

Treatment

Physical therapy can assist with relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome through stretching, range of motion exercises, and strengthening. If symptoms continue to persist, injections and surgery are other treatment options. Wrist splints along with proper ergonomic setup at the workstation can help to provide relief.

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