![]() The median nerve is one of the main nerves in the hand. Because these boundaries are very rigid, the carpal tunnel has little capacity to stretch or increase in size. The roof of the tunnel is a strong band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2009 7(5). Reproduced and adapted from Rodner C, Raissis A, Akelman E: Carpal tunnel syndrome. To prevent permanent damage, surgery to take pressure off the median nerve may be recommended for some patients. If pressure on the median nerve continues, however, it can lead to nerve damage and worsening symptoms. A steroid injection into the carpal tunnel.Avoiding certain activities that aggravate your symptoms.For this reason, it is important to diagnose and treat carpal tunnel syndrome promptly.Įarly symptoms can often be relieved with simple measures like: If untreated for too long, it can lead to permanent dysfunction of the hand, including loss of sensation in the fingers and weakness. In most patients, carpal tunnel syndrome gets worse over time. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand - the median nerve - is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. Make sure your workspace is ergonomic and that you maintain good posture while doing repetitive activities such as typing.Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm.Do exercises to keep your fingers and wrist from getting stiff, but don't continue doing this if you experience pain or numbness.Holding a glass of water is an example of your wrist in a neutral position. Your wrist is in a neutral position when it is straight or only slightly bent. This takes pressure off the median nerve. Wear a wrist splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position.Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to relieve pain.Ice your wrist for 10 to 15 minutes, once or twice an hour. Rest your wrist longer between activities. Avoid repetitive or sustained heavy pinching and gripping activities. Stop activities that cause numbness and pain. ![]() If you start to have symptoms of carpal tunnel damage, follow these initial steps to avoid continuing damage to the median nerve: MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This imaging procedure can be used to detect swelling of the median nerve, narrowing of the carpal tunnel or blood circulation problems.Ĭarpal tunnel symptoms can often be treated on your own.X-rays: Although carpal tunnel syndrome cannot be diagnosed through x-rays, they can be used to check for bone problems caused by past injuries, arthritis, tumors or fractures that could be contributing to your carpal tunnel symptoms.Nerve testing (electromyogram) and nerve conduction studies: These procedures are used to evaluate any loss of functioning in the median nerve.You may have a diagnostic test, too, including: Your physician will discuss your medical history to find out about any illnesses, prior injuries or repetitive activities that may be causing your symptoms. Pain and/or numbness that is worse at night, interrupting sleep.Burning or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers.Difficulty making a fist or gripping objects with the hand(s).However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. The following are the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Other conditions or injuries of the wrist, including strain, sprain, dislocation, break, or swelling and inflammation.Hormonal or metabolic changes from menopause, pregnancy or thyroid imbalance.Joint or bone diseases such as arthritis.Frequent, repetitive grasping movements with the hands, such as with sports and certain physical activities.Activities requiring extreme positioning (flexion or extension) of the wrist, such as activities performed by dental hygienists.Typing or using a keyboard are not high-risk activities unless performed in non-ergonomic wrist positions. Frequent, repetitive small movements with the hands such as gripping or pinching activities.Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome have no specific cause, although any or all of the following may serve as contributing factors:
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