Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is the space inside your wrist formed by the transverse carpal ligament and the carpal bones. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which provides sensory and motor function to your thumb, index, middle and half of your ring finger, is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This nerve compression causes numbness, tingling, and pain.

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Risk factors that increase your chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Family history of the condition
• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause
• Injuries to the hand or wrist
• Joint or bone disease, including arthritis
• Medical problems, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders
• Metabolic changes, such as thyroid issues
• Repetitive gripping movements
• Repetitive hand or wrist movements, like typing

Signs & Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome typically occurs in adults and is common in both men and women. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• A feeling of “pins and needles” in your fingers and/or thumbs
• Burning and tingling in your fingers
• Hand weakness when gripping objects
• Numbness and/or pain in one or both hands
• Sleep interrupted by hand pain or numbness
• Swelling in fingers and/or thumbs

Diagnosis

We diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome through a physical exam and review of your symptoms and health history. Electrodiagnostic testing to measure the electrical activity of your muscles and nerves is the most effective way to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. These tests can include:

• Nerve conduction test—assesses how fast an electric signal travels along a nerve or from the nerve to a muscle in the hand.
• Electromyography—measures how well the muscles around the nerves of the hand work.

Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

We will develop a treatment plan for your carpal tunnel syndrome based on your age, pain level and the success of previous treatments, procedures or therapies.

Nonsurgical Treatments

We may recommend nonsurgical treatments, including:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)—taken orally or injected to alleviate pain and swelling.
• Ergonomic changes—changing the position of your keyboard or computer can help reduce symptoms.
• Exercise—stretching and strengthening exercises supervised by a physical or occupational therapist can offer symptom relief.
• Hand splinting—helps immobilize the wrist and ease nerve compression.

Surgical Treatments

If your symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatment, our orthopedic specialists may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery to relieve nerve compression in the carpal tunnel area.