Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common, painful, progressive condition that is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist area.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness and tingling sensation in all the fingers except little finger; pain and burning sensation in hand and wrist that may radiate up the arm and elbow; and weakness in hand with diminished grip strength.

Causes

Exact causes of the condition are not known. However certain factors increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome and they include congenital abnormalities, repetitive motion of hand and wrists, fractures and sprains, hormonal imbalance, and other medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, obesity, gout, overactive pituitary gland, or the presence of a cyst or tumor in the canal.

Conservative Treatment Options

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be treated using conservative approaches or surgery. The conservative treatments include:

Treating underlying medical conditions
Immobilization of the hand and wrist with a splint or wrist brace for 4-6 weeks
Rest the hand for 2 weeks or more
Ice packs to avoid swelling
Avoid activities that tend to worsen the symptoms
Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections
Strengthening and stretching exercises once symptoms diminish

Surgery

If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition your surgeon may recommend surgical procedure.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. Small wrist bones known as carpals form the bottom and sides of your carpal tunnel and a strong band of connecting tissue, known as the transverse carpal ligament, covers the top of the carpal tunnel.

The carpel tunnel houses the flexor tendons, that allow you to bend your fingers, and the median nerve that provides sensation to most of your fingers and hand.

Disease Overview

Special tissues known as synovium surround and lubricate the flexor tendons in your wrist, allowing smooth movement of the fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the synovium swells narrowing the limited space within the tunnel and pinches the median nerve over time. The transverse carpal ligament can also become tight narrowing the carpal tunnel space and putting pressure on the median nerve.

Signs & Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Pain and burning in the hand and wrist that may radiate up the arm to the elbow
Decreased sensation and weakness in the hand with diminished grip strength
Worsening of symptoms at night

Causes

The following factors have been known to increase a person’s risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome:

Repetitive Motion: performing heavy, repetitive hand and wrist movements with prolonged gripping at work or play.
Congenital: Some people are born with narrower carpal tunnel canals.
Trauma: Injury to the wrist such as fractures or sprains.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills or hormone pills are risk factors as they alter the levels of hormone in the body.
Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, obesity, gout, overactive pituitary gland, or the presence of a cyst or tumor extending to the carpal tunnel.

Diagnosis

Your doctor diagnoses carpel tunnel syndrome by performing a detailed medical history and physical examination. Further tests may be ordered including an X-ray to view your wrist bones; blood tests to rule out underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and thyroid problems, and electro diagnostic testing to assess the speed and degree of electrical activity in your nerves and muscles.

Treatment

Carpel tunnel syndrome can be treated with conservative measures or surgical intervention. Conservative treatment options may include treating any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis. Your hand and wrist may be immobilized with a splint or wrist brace for 4 to 6 weeks. Ice packs may be recommended to keep down any swelling. You may be advised to avoid activities that tend to bring on the symptoms. Medication and steroid injections may be used to treat pain and swelling. You may be referred to therapy to be taught strengthening and stretching exercises.

When conservative treatment options are not effective, surgery may be recommended.

Surgical Procedure

Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery is performed in the operating room as an outpatient procedure.

You will be given a local anesthetic to numb your hand and wrist. Your surgeon makes a 2-inch incision at the base of the palm. Retractors are used to hold the skin edges apart in order to allow better visualization and exposure of the underlying tissues. A special cutting instrument is introduced through the incision and the transverse carpal ligament is transected under direct vision. This widens the carpal tunnel and releases pressure from the median nerve. The wound is washed out and the operative incision is closed with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing.

Postoperative Care

Following surgery, your wrist will be wrapped in a bandage or splint for about a week.

You will be started on a physical therapy program where you will be instructed on special exercises to improve the movement of your hand and wrist.

Some common postoperative guidelines include:

Elevate your hand above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.
Apply ice packs to the surgical area to reduce swelling.
Keep the surgical incision clean and dry. Cover the area with a plastic wrap when bathing or showering.
Eat a healthy diet and quit smoking to promote healing

Risks and Complications

Some of the potential complications of carpal tunnel release surgery include:

Infection
Damage to nerves causing weakness, paralysis, or loss of feeling in the hand and wrist area
Stiffness to the wrist and hand
Wrist weakness and loss of strength due to injured tendon
Worsening of symptoms or symptoms not improved after surgery