• Regional Neurosurgery

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain, tingling and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist.

The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. This pressure can come from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller. Things that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Illnesses such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
• Pregnancy.
• Obesity.
• Making the same hand movements over and over, especially if the wrist is bent. Computer work and gardening are examples of tasks that have repeated motions.
• Wrist injuries and bone spurs.
• Smoking, because it can reduce blood flow to the median nerve.

What are the symptoms?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, numbness, weakness or pain in the fingers or hand. Some people may have pain in their arm between their hand and their elbow.

Symptoms most often occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. If you have problems with your other fingers but your little finger is fine, this may be a sign that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. A different nerve gives feeling to the little finger.

You may first notice symptoms at night. You may be able to get relief by shaking your hand.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Your doctor does a physical exam and asks about your health and activities. You may also have some tests.

The doctor asks if you have any health problems, such as arthritis, hypothyroidism, diabetes or if you are pregnant. He or she asks if you recently hurt your wrist, arm or neck. The doctor wants to know about your daily routine and any recent activities that could have hurt your wrist.

During the exam, the doctor checks the feeling, strength and appearance of your neck, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands.

The doctor may suggest tests, such as:

• Blood tests to verify if any health problems might be causing your symptoms.
• Nerve testing to find out if the median nerve is working as it should.

How is it treated?
Mild symptoms usually can be treated with home care. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of stopping symptoms and preventing long-term damage to the nerve.

You can do a few things at home to help your hand and wrist feel better:

• Stop activities that cause numbness and pain. Rest your wrist longer between activities.