Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome refers to abnormal pressure on the median nerve of the hand that causes numbness, tingling, weakness, and possible muscle damage to the hands and fingers.  The Carpal Tunnel itself is a very tiny canal made up of arteries, nerves, and tendons that supply the hand and fingers.  When this tunnel becomes compressed, inflammation occurs making these structures suffocate for room causing the associated symptoms.  Symptoms include: numbness and tingling in the thumb and the next two to three fingers next to it in one of both hands, numbness of tingling in the affected palm of the hand, loss of grip strength, associated muscle atrophy, pain in the affected wrist or hand, and weakness. 

Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are many treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and include the following: a cock-up splint worn at night or for periods during the day when extreme inflammation develops, hot or cold compresses, manual manipulation performed by a Chiropractor, or surgery only if severe and all other options have been exhausted.  Physicians may also suggest making changes to one’s workplace setting since most often Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develops from repetitive injury.  Such devices include: an elevated mouse pad while typing on a keyboard, different types of mouses, and keyboard drawers.  Sometimes, anti-inflammatory medications are administered to reduce the pain and inflammation within the hand and fingers, corticosteroids injections are also a treatment of choice.  Surgical repair is left for severe cases since most need to be repeated.  This should be the patient’s last resort since surgery causes scar tissue build-up causing reduced range of motion.  Besides repetitive use, some other known causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include: Acromegaly, Diabetes, pregnancy, and being overweight or obese.  The physician will diagnose the patient via orthopedic testing, NCV testing, and possible x-rays to notate any arthritic changes.