Do You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Do you have persistent numbness and tingling in your hand and arm? You might have carpal tunnel syndrome, which is the most common compressive neuropathy in the upper extremity, otherwise known as a pinched nerve in your wrist.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located on the palm side of the wrist where the flexor tendons (they bend the fingers) and the median nerve pass from the forearm into the hand. This tunnel protects the median nerve and the flexor tendons. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure builds up in this tunnel, compressing the nerve. 

Pressure on the nerve can be caused by swelling of the coating of the flexor tendons (tenosynovitis), joint dislocations, fractures, arthritis or fluid retention. Thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can also be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. In many instances, carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of typical everyday activities, such as the frequent use of vibrating hand tools or playing a musical instrument. There’s some debate over whether working at a computer can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Other symptoms of the syndrome include pain, a weak grip, occasional clumsiness and hand weakness.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed with a detailed history and physical exam. Sometimes X-Rays are taken. Electrodiagnostic testing is sometimes used to confirm the diagnosis or check for other nerve problems.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be relieved without surgery. Treatment options may include a wrist splint at night or during activities that aggravate the condition. A steroid injection into the carpal tunnel can also help.

When the symptoms are severe or don’t improve, hand surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the nerve. This is done by cutting the ligament that forms the top of the carpal tunnel on the palm side of the hand. After surgery, tenderness around the scar can last several weeks or months.

The numbness and tingling in the hand or fingers may go away quickly or slowly — it may sometimes take up to a year. In severe cases where there has been permanent damage to the nerve, the symptoms may not completely go away after surgery.

The INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Hand Surgery clinic is dedicated to providing excellent medical and surgical care for patients with hand, wrist and upper extremity diseases and injuries. Patients are provided a full spectrum of state-of-the-art care for acute injuries, post-traumatic reconstruction and chronic diseases.

The center provides care for patients of all ages from the newborn to the centenarian and everyone in between — including children with congenital musculoskeletal anomalies, adolescents with sports injuries, adults with cumulative trauma disorders and senior patients with geriatric upper extremity conditions.

The center also provides care for patients from all walks of life: weekend warriors with overuse conditions, athletes with sport injuries, workers with industrial and occupational diseases and retirees with arthritic disorders.

For more information, please visit the INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Hand Surgery clinic page or call 405-945-4888.