Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is it?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments at the base of your hand.

Symptoms:

• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
• Weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects.
• Pain or discomfort that radiates from the wrist up the arm.

Primary Symptoms:

    The primary symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

• Numbness or tingling, especially at night.
• Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to perform tasks that require fine motor skills.
• Pain or discomfort that worsens with activities involving the use of the hand or wrist.

Diagnosis/Treatment:

• Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and sometimes nerve conduction studies.
• Treatment options may include wrist splinting, medication to reduce inflammation and pain, corticosteroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery.

What to Expect After Surgery:

• After surgery, patients can expect relief from symptoms such as pain and numbness.
• Recovery time varies, but most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks and resume normal activities within a few months.
• Physical therapy may be recommended to improve strength and flexibility in the wrist and hand.

Risks & Complications:

• As with any surgery, there are risks associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery, including infection, nerve damage, stiffness, and recurrence of symptoms.

However, complications are rare, and the benefits of surgery often outweigh the risks, especially when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.