Causes And Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms,Treatment, Prevention And Causes

Table of Contents

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of the median nerve that runs from the forearm to the hand through the passage in the wrist. This median nerve controls the main nerves and the nine tendons to the fingers and thumb.

An important nerve it provides motor functions to the thumb, index and long finger. Compression or any kind of irritation to the median nerve leads to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS generally start gradually with a dull ache and extend to the forearm and the hand to the wrist.

Tingling/ Numbness

One of the main symptoms of CTS is tingling or numbness on the hands and fingers (excluding the little finger) which occur while holding an object or book/newspaper.

This sensation prevails at night and the first thing in the morning on waking up. People with this condition generally shake out their hands to get temporary respite from the pins and needles sensation.

Radiating Pain

The radiating pain for this condition extends to the arms, shoulders and to the fingers, especially after constant use of the hand. This often results in a tendency to drop things due to weakness invading the hands.

Weakness

As the condition progresses, it becomes extremely difficult to hold/grasp objects due to the weakness in the thumb, index and middle fingers.

Swollen Sensation

People with CTS feel their fingers swollen despite no swelling. They may find it rather difficult to differentiate between hot and cold sensations.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There isn’t a particular cause for CTS. It might be due to a combination of risk factors associated with the development of this condition.

Anatomy

Dislocation or fracture of the wrist can cause pressure on the median nerve thereby altering the space within the Carpal tunnel. Women are more prone to this condition than men, mainly due to their relatively smaller carpal tunnel area.

$wrist fracture$

Nerve Damage

Alcoholism and diabetes increase chances of damage to the median nerve. Certain inflammatory conditions such as infections or rheumatoid arthritis can exert undue pressure on the median nerve, thus affecting the tendons in the wrist.

Body Fluids

Kidney failure, thyroid disorders, obesity, menopause and pregnancy can alter the fluid balance in the body. This condition may lead to the compression of the median nerves due to the pressure within the carpal tunnel.

Job Factors

Prolonged or excessive use of the hands and flexing of the wrist may cause pressure on the median nerve, worsening the existing condition. Although the scientific evidence is yet to be proved, there is little evidence in the usage of computers as one of the risk factors.

Diagnosis and Tests Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Several tests may be performed by Doctors to diagnose CTS. A Tinel test is done, to look for any kind of tingling sensation in the fingers, by tapping on the median nerve. A phalen test is performed for signs of tingling/numbness by pressing the back of the hands together.

X Ray

A routine x ray may be done to rule out other causes of wrist pain, which might occur due to wrist fracture or arthritis.

Nerve Conduction Study

A nerve conduction study is carried out by sending small electric shocks through the electrodes, placed on the wrists and hands. This enables to measure the speed at which the median nerve transmits impulses.

Electromyogram

This test is done by inserting a thin needle electrode in the muscle to record the electrical activity and determine any kind of damage to the median nerve.

Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

People with mild symptoms of CTS may try easing the pain through immobilization and resting their hands and wrists. If the symptoms persist other options such as wrist splinting, medication or in extreme cases surgery may be considered.