Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand. The median nerve runs from your forearm to your hand, through the carpal tunnel. The median nerve provides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except the little finger. It also helps move your forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is pinched or compressed. It is a very common condition that affects over 3 million people each year in the U.S. alone.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by anything that narrows, irritates, or places pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Some examples include injuries to the area, like a fractured wrist, or inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

There are many factors that are believed to increase the risk of irritation or damage to the median nerve, including:

Anatomy – Some people are born with a naturally narrower carpal tunnels, which can make it easier for the median nerve to become pinched.

Gender – Women are more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, likely because they have relatively smaller carpal tunnels.
Other medical conditions – Nerve-damaging conditions like diabetes or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of damage or compression of the median nerve.
Obesity – Being obese has shown to increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome
Changes in bodily fluid levels – Fluid retention can increase pressure inside the carpal tunnel, putting pressure on the median nerve. This commonly occurs during pregnancy and menopause.
Workplace factors – Working with repetitive motions or working with vibrating tools may irritate or put pressure on the median nerve.

Gender – Women are more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, likely because they have relatively smaller carpal tunnels.
Other medical conditions – Nerve-damaging conditions like diabetes or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of damage or compression of the median nerve.
Obesity – Being obese has shown to increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome
Changes in bodily fluid levels – Fluid retention can increase pressure inside the carpal tunnel, putting pressure on the median nerve. This commonly occurs during pregnancy and menopause.
Workplace factors – Working with repetitive motions or working with vibrating tools may irritate or put pressure on the median nerve.

What are symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Pain in your wrist, hand, or fingers
Tingling or numbness in the hand or fingers (except the little finger)
Weakness of the hand and reduced grip strength (difficulty holding objects)

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

There is no known way to outright stop carpal tunnel from happening. But you can take preventive steps to slow its onset and reduce its effects. Some preventive measures include:

Keeping a relaxed grip
Taking breaks from prolonged hand/finger use
Not overextending your wrist in any direction
Getting an ergonomic and comfortable keyboard and mouse
Keeping your hands warm

There are some home treatments that can help manage carpal tunnel symptoms, including over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Advil or Aleve, or wearing a brace.

If you still come down with a case of carpal tunnel syndrome, Twin Cities Pain Clinic offers treatments to manage your symptoms.

Medication management