Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS is a disorder of the hand, wrist and arm. The carpal tunnel is a space formed by the bones and ligaments in your wrist. A nerve running through that space lets you move and feel with your hands and fingers. (Read about "Nervous System") According to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), in carpal tunnel syndrome, the nerve gets compressed, causing a variety of possible symptoms of what is called peripheral neuropathy. (Read about "Peripheral Neuropathy") These include:

• numbness that can be intermittent
• tingling in the hands and sometimes the forearm and shoulder (Read about "Paresthesia")
• pain
• weakness
• burning sensation

The pain may increase with movement and/or at night.

Who's at risk

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury (Read about "Repetitive Stress") and can happen to anyone. AAN says it occurs most often in adults over the age of 30 and in women; overall, we have a ten percent chance of developing CTS in our lifetime.

Different occupations also have a higher risk. AAN says people who work at jobs that require repetitive hand movements, that require hands to be in awkward positions for extended periods of time or that subject hands to strong constant vibration, can be especially prone to CTS. People at risk include people who use computers, carpenters, grocery checkers, assembly-line workers, meat packers, violinists and mechanics. Hobbies such as gardening, needlework, golfing and canoeing can sometimes bring on the symptoms.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), carpal tunnel syndrome is common during the last few months of pregnancy. (Read about "Stages of Pregnancy" "Healthy Pregnancy") It can also be the result of diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease. (Read about "Diabetes" "Rheumatoid Arthritis" "Thyroid")

What to do

If the CTS is related to another medical condition, a doctor would treat that first. If a doctor finds no underlying medical causes, treatment options vary depending on the extent of the problem. You may be sent to a physical therapist to learn certain rehabilitation techniques. (Read about "Rehabilitation") Other options include:

• ice and anti-inflammatories are often recommended according to AAFP
• immobilization, using a splint
• making changes in your current job, changing tools, changing your keyboard or using wrist supports
• shifting to a different job if possible
• steroid injections
• surgery (Read about "Neurosurgery" "Arthroscopy")

The best defense is a good offense so to speak when it comes to CTS. To avoid the problem in the first place the AAFP suggests the following:

• Lose weight if you need to. (Read about "Losing Weight")
• Don't put off treatment for any disease that can result in CTS.
• If you do the same tasks with your hands over and over, try not to bend, extend or twist your hands for long periods.
• Don't work with your arms too close or too far from your body. Don't rest your wrists on hard surfaces for long periods.
• Switch hands, don't use the same hand to do everything all the time.
• Make sure your tools aren't too big for your hands.
• Take regular breaks; give your hands and wrists time to rest.
• Don't sit or stand in the same position all day.
• If you use a keyboard a lot, adjust the height of your chair so that your forearms are level with your keyboard and you don't have to flex your wrists to type. (Read about "Computers & Health")

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a serious disorder. If you think you have carpal tunnel syndrome - or if you worry you may be a candidate for developing it later - ask your doctor about prevention and treatment.

Related Information:

    Tendinitis and Bursitis

    Sprains

    Strains