Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - A Tingling Problem

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of compression neuropathy caused by compression and irritation of the median nerve in the wrist. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is swelling of the membranes that normally surround and lubricate the tendons as they glide in the tunnel.  Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by trauma or from a repetitive motion such as typing or writing.

The signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be mild, moderate or severe and will usually worsen without treatment.

Some of the signs and symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness and tingling of the hand, wrist pain, weakness in the grip and a feeling of a loss of coordination. 

With Carpal Tunnel syndrome, dropping things is frequent due to the numbness that is felt in the hands.  Often these symptoms will appear at night because of normal fluid shifting to the extremities.  Prolonged or constant symptoms signal progression of severe nerve compression.  The locking of fingers is an associated complaint in 25% of cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is based on symptoms, an accurate medical history and exam and a nerve conduction test which measures nerve function. 

Anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the treatment of mild carpal tunnel syndrome.  However, surgery is usually the treatment of choice for classic carpal tunnel syndrome.  Surgery helps to decrease the pressure on the nerve and to relieve the symptoms. 

In some cases after surgery complete relief of the nerve compression symptoms may be immediate; however, it often takes up to three months for complete relief.

If carpal tunnel surgery is not performed in a timely manner it is possible for the nerve to suffer permanent damage.  If surgery is delayed, then the persistent symptoms that were present before surgery may be even worse after surgery.  The annoying aches associated with an underlying tendon bursae disease, like the pains of arthritis, may linger on, without the threat of nerve dysfunction.             

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist. There is no single treatment choice for everyone.  Your treatment plan will depend on how severe your symptoms are, how long you’ve had them, and what is causing them. 

If you think you have carpal tunnel syndrome it is important to see your doctor to stop further nerve damage.