Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the “carpal tunnel” causing symptoms of numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist, about an inch wide. The floor and walls of the tunnel are formed by small wrist bones called carpal bones. The carpal tunnel contains the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the fingers and thumb.
SYMPTOMS
- Numbness and tingling in the hand including the thumb, index, and long finger
- Wrist pain
- Awakening at night with numbness
- Hand weakness
DIAGNOSTICS
A thorough history and physical is the most important diagnostic tool. However, sometimes finding the source of numbness may require an EMG, which is a nerve conduction study completed by a specially trained physician.
TREATMENT
- Splints / Braces
- Therapy
- Medication
- Steroid Injections
- Surgery (if conservative treatments are not effective). This procedure can be performed “open” or endoscopically.
