Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve in the wrist and hand gets compressed. This causes pain, tingling, numbness, and eventually weakness in the hand and fingers. The good news is you can manage or even reverse it with different treatments, from lifestyle changes to surgery.
This article will cover the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, its causes, how it's diagnosed, and treatment options.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain in the part of the hand and fingers served by the median nerve. This includes the palm side of the hand, the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger.
Other symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome might include:
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Tingling along the median nerve.
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Numbness and tingling.
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Increased pain at night.
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Loss of feeling in the affected fingers.
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Reduced hand grip.
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Decreased finger pinch strength.
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Muscle wasting at the base of the thumb.
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Feeling like the fingers are swollen or puffy.
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Reduced range of motion in the fingers.
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Difficulty sensing temperature by touch.
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Dropping things.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel contains eight tendons and the median nerve. Any swelling or thickening of the tendons in the carpal tunnel can press on the median nerve, causing carpal tunnel syndrome.
The exact cause of carpal tunnel syndrome isn't always known, but many factors can increase the risk of getting it. These factors include:
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Being female.
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Having obesity.
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Pregnancy or menopause (due to fluid retention).
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Wrist fracture or other injuries.
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Getting older.
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Other metabolic disorders.
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Sleeping with the wrist bent.
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Thyroid and pituitary gland disorders.
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Bone spurs.
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Infection.
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Family history of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Jobs that make carpal tunnel syndrome worse
Some jobs and hobbies can worsen carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if they need strong, repeated gripping, wrist bending, or vibration tools.
These jobs and hobbies include:-
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Construction.
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Playing piano.
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Drawing.
Also, carpal tunnel syndrome can develop from office jobs that involve a lot of typing and writing, especially if the workspace isn't set up right.
How to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical exams and tests to check nerve function. Also, a healthcare provider might do nerve function tests to see how much the median nerve is damaged in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Some tests to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome include:-
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Nerve Conduction Study NCS:- This test measures the strength and speed of electrical pulses as they travel along the median nerve. In carpal tunnel syndrome, these can drop in strength and speed.
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Electromyography EMG:- This test involves placing small needles in different muscles supplied by the median nerve to measure electrical activity. Abnormal activity found can be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.
How to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment can range from simple lifestyle changes to surgery. It depends on how bad the nerve damage is when diagnosed.
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Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes in daily activities can help reduce carpal tunnel symptoms and even reverse the condition. These changes can include the following:-
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Avoid intense activities that increase symptoms as much as possible. If you can’t, take frequent daily breaks to rest your hand.
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Use comfortable tools. Use pens and other devices with thicker grips to reduce pressure on hand muscles during daily tasks.
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Wear a splint. Keeping your wrist straight lowers pressure on the median nerve. Wear the splint while sleeping and during daily activities until you heal.
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Sit with good posture. Set up your desk to reduce pressure on the median nerve and improve your posture.
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Alternative treatments
Some alternative treatments can also help reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. These treatments include:-
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Acupuncture.
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Yoga.
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Manual therapy.
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Following an anti-inflammatory diet.
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Carpal tunnel exercises
Some specific exercises can help reduce stiffness and improve nerve sliding in carpal tunnel syndrome. The tendons in the carpal tunnel connect to muscles that move the wrist and fingers. Stretching these muscles can reduce tension and pain.
Do the stretch exercises several times a day by following these steps:
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Spread your fingers apart, then bring them back together. Repeat this about 10 times.
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Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of each finger and repeat about 10 times.
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Hold your arm straight in front of you, then bend your wrist down. Gently press the back of your hand with your other hand until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold for 30 seconds, then flip your forearm and repeat the other way.
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Start with your fingers straight, bend the finger joints into a fist, then straighten your fingers again. Repeat about 10 times.
Some median nerve gliding exercises may help it move smoothly through the carpal tunnel. Go through this sequence slowly several times a day:
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Make a fist with your fingers.
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Keep your thumb next to your hand with the other fingers straight.
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Bend your wrist backward.
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Move your thumb to the side.
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Turn your forearm so your palm faces up.
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Use the other hand to gently press and stretch the thumb more.
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Medications
NSAIDs can help reduce carpal tunnel symptoms. Sometimes oral steroids or cortisone shots are needed in worse cases.
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Surgery
Sometimes surgery called carpal tunnel release is needed to ease pressure on the median nerve. This is a common carpal tunnel operation.
Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms can come occasionally. To help lower the risk of attacks, do the exercises above several times a week and use good rest methods.
If symptoms repeat, they should be treated early. The splint should mainly be worn during sleep to reduce pressure on the median nerve. Also, see a healthcare provider for the right diagnosis and to talk about the best treatment plan.
