Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
February 07, 2008
We depend on our hands for most everything we do when we're awake. If you're experiencing numbness or pain in your fingers, this next story is one that just may help. UT Health Center's Dr. Mom explains.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand that is home to the median nerve and tendons. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm into the hand becomes squeezed at the wrist. CTS is more common in women than men. In 2005, the number of physician visits for carpal tunnel was 3,113,000. Of the 3 million visits, more than 2 million patient visits were women. 500,000 surgical procedures for CTS are performed annually in the US.
Symptoms of CTS:- The feeling of burning numbness or tingling in the palm of the hand
- Weakness in the hands and fingers
- Fingers becoming numb at night
- Pain in the forearm and shoulder
- Decreased grip strength
- Injury to the wrist
- Overactivity of the pituitary gland
- Hypothyroidism
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Work stress
- Repeated use of vibrating tools
- Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause
- Development of a cyst or tumor in the carpal tunnel canal
- Perform conditioning and stretching exercises
- Take frequent rest breaks
- Wear splints to keep wrists straight
- Use correct posture and wrist position
- Keep hands warm and flexible
- Sleep with wrists straight or in a splint
- Avoid flexing and extending wrists repeatedly
- Change the frequency of repetitive motion
- Immobilize the wrist in a splint
- Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or injections of cortisone
- Surgery can be performed to relieve the pressure on the median nerve