Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, a narrow confined space. Since the median nerve provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and three middle fingers, many symptoms may result.

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome have no specific cause, although any/all of the following may serve as a contributing factor:

• frequent, repetitive, small movements with the hands (such as with typing or using a keyboard)
• frequent, repetitive, grasping movements with the hands (such as with sports and certain physical activities)
• joint or bone disease (i.e., arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• hormonal or metabolic changes (i.e., menopause, pregnancy, thyroid imbalance)
• changes in blood sugar levels (may be seen with type II diabetes)
• other conditions or injuries of the wrist (i.e., strain, sprain, dislocation, break, or swelling and inflammation)

What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The following are the most common symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• difficulty making a fist
• difficulty gripping objects with the hand(s)
• pain and/or numbness in the hand(s)
• "pins and needles" feeling in the fingers
• swollen feeling in the fingers
• burning or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may resemble other conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Specific treatment will be determined by the physician(s) based on:

• patient's age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• expectations for the course of the disease
• patient's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• patient's (or family's) opinion or preference

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome may include any, or a combination of, the following, based on the decision of your physician and your medical condition:

• immobilization of the wrist using a splint (to minimize pressure on the nerves)
• anti-inflammatory medication
• cortisone injections (to reduce swelling of the wrist)
• surgery
• changing position of a computer keyboard, or other ergonomic changes

Prepared by Nicholas Warren, MS, MAT, ScD and Timothy F. Morse, PhD, ErgoCenter, UConn Health Center, Farmington, CT.