What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common hand condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist resulting in numbness, tingling, and weakness. This nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway present in the palm side of the wrist, protecting the median nerve to the hand. The condition occurs when the median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is seen more commonly in women than men and if left untreated, it can lead to permanent dysfunction of the hand, including loss of sensation or weakness in the fingers.
Risk factors include hand actions that are repeated or involve the wrist being bent for a long period, flexed or faced with impact. Pregnancy, diabetes and arthritis can also increase your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome tend to start gradually and most patients may find their symptoms come and go at first. However, as the condition worsens, they may find their symptoms persisting for a longer period of time. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel include:
- Pain or numbness in the palm and fingers (in one or both hands)
- Weakness in the wrist and fingers
- Difficulty making a fist or dropping things easily
- Waking up from the pain and discomfort
- Pain extending up the arm
What are the risk factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Most cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- Repititive Hand Use: Repeating the same hand or wrist motion over a prolonged period of time may aggravate the tendons in the wrist, causing swelling that puts pressure on the median nerve.
- Genetics: The carpal tunnel may be naturally smaller in some people or there may be anatomical differences that affects the space of the median nerve. These traits may be hereditary.
- Improper hand or wrist position: Repeated movements that flex the wrist over a prolonged period of time may create pressure on the median nerve
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause swelling that puts pressure on the median nerve.
How can you prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There's no proven way to completely prevent Carpal Tunnel, but you can lower your risk of developing it by lessening the stress on your hands and wrists with these methods:
- Reduce your force: Relax your grip on your mouse or, for instance, if you are working the cash register, lessen the force used to hit the keys.
- Take short, frequent breaks: Take breaks periodically to gently stretch and bend your wrists and hands. Taking breaks for a few minutes every hour can make a difference in lowering your risk of Carpal Tunnel.
- Mind your posture: Try to keep a relaxed position when using your keyboard, with your wrist parallel to the floor. Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down. Ideally, you will want to keep your keyboard at elbow height or slightly lower.
- Use a comfortable mouse: Make sure you use a comfortable mouse that doesn't strain your wrist.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosed?
In addition to a run-through of medical history and examination of the neck, arms, wrists, and hands, tests of strength, sensation, and signs of nerve irritation or damage may be conducted.
