Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical issue that typically affects people who perform repetitive tasks that require the use of the wrist in a bent position. The symptoms appear gradually and include frequent burning, tingling, itchy numbness in the palm and fingers and the feeling that the fingers are swollen and useless with no apparent swelling. During the night the symptoms may seem to be worse than during the day. As the symptoms increase, the tingling occurs more often during the day, you may find your grip has decreased and it may be difficult to form a fist or grasp small objects. In chronic and untreated cases, the muscles may waste away. In some cases the suffers cannot tell the difference between hot and cold.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve that runs from the forearm into the hand. When it becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist it affects the median nerve controls to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (excluding the little finger) as well as the impulses to some of the small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The resulting pain, weakness and numbness in the hand and wrist radiates up the arm.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm

Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome may include congenital predisposition, trauma or injury to the wrist, overactivity of the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, work stress, fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause or the development of a cyst or tumor in the canal.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm

If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome it is important that you contact your doctor as early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid any permanent damage to the median nerve. Your doctor will examine your wrist for tenderness, swelling, warmth and discoloration. Your doctor should also test the muscles at the base of your hand for strength and signs of atrophy, and each finger should be tested for sensation.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm

There are a number of ways that carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated. These treatments include non-surgical which include drugs, exercise and alternative therapies. Surgical treatments include open release surgery and endoscopic surgery. Full recovery from carpal tunnel syndrome surgery can take months and there are risks such as nerve damage, stiffness and pain at the scar. Physical therapy is required after surgery to restore the strength in the wrist. The majority of carpal tunnel surgeries result in permanent relief from the syndrome.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, please consult your doctor.