Women are up to three times more likely to develop the condition, partly because their carpal tunnels are often smaller. A prior wrist fracture or dislocation can also narrow the space.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common nerve disorder that affects many people. The carpal tunnel is the narrow passageway formed by the wrist bones and ligaments. It protects the median nerve, a major peripheral nerve that provides sensation to specific fingers and controls muscles near the base of the thumb. When this nerve is compressed, it disrupts sensory and motor signals to the hand and causes carpal tunnel syndrome.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome range from minor physical discomfort to severe disruptions in daily routine. Common signs to look out for include:
The main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is anything that crowds or narrows the carpal tunnel, increasing pressure on the median nerve. Other factors that increase a person’s risk include:
Women are up to three times more likely to develop the condition, partly because their carpal tunnels are often smaller. A prior wrist fracture or dislocation can also narrow the space.
Prolonged repetitive hand use with awkward wrist postures and high force may cause the membrane around the tendon to swell.
Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid imbalances can increase the risk of getting this type of nerve disorder.
Fluid retention from pregnancy or thyroid imbalances can increase the pressure in the tunnel.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend nonsurgical treatment options such as:
Carpal tunnel release surgery is a highly effective and common procedure when nonsurgical treatments are no longer working or when nerve compression is severe, causing constant numbness or muscle weakness. This surgery increases the tunnel size and reduces pressure on the nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament.
After surgery, grip and pinch strength typically return over several months, often with the help of a physical therapist. Soreness in the palm can last for a while, but nerve-related symptoms, such as tingling and night-waking, may improve after the procedure.
Prevention strategies include:
A doctor combines patient history with physical and advanced tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Gently tapping over the median nerve at the wrist to see if it causes tingling
Holding the wrist in a fully flexed position to see if it triggers symptoms
The doctor will check for weakness in the thumb muscles and test sensation in the fingertips.
A Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) measures the speed of an electrical signal along the median nerve, with a delay in the carpal tunnel as a positive sign. Electromyography (EMG) can be used to assess the health of the muscles controlled by the median nerve, ruling out or confirming muscle damage.
If numbness, tingling, or hand weakness is affecting your daily life, Fondren Orthopedic Group can help you understand your symptoms and explore treatment options. Schedule an appointment online to connect with an orthopedic specialist and take the next step toward personalized care.
