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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

​​​​​​​​Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand and wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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​The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that is surrounded by bone and ligaments. Tendons and the median nerve pass through it. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve gets squeezed or compressed due to swelling or thickening of the structures in or around the tunnel.​​ Often, it gets worse over time.​​​


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​Patients usually start noticing numbness and a tingling sensation of the thumb, index and middle finger. The sensation may travel from the wrist up the arm. Patients may also experience pain, increased sensitivity or a weak grip. Some patients need to shake the affected hand to feel relief of symptoms.

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​Anything that places pressure on the median nerve may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. These include:​

  • ​Wrist fracture
  • Swelling and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis
  • Fluid retention
  • Nerve-damaging conditions
  • Repetitive hand motions 
  • Obesity

​Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome can be divided into non-surgical and surgical treatments. Treatment is often decided based on the severity of the symptoms and disease. Mild disease may be treated with oral medication or a wrist splint. Physiotherapy can also help to adjust the way you use your hands and wrists in your daily routine and to strengthen muscles.

In severe cases or if non-surgical treatment fails, it can be treated surgically by decompressing the pressure in the carpal tunnel either via an open or endoscopic (key-hole) carpal tunnel release procedure.


Other tips:
  • Try to take short breaks to stretch and bend your wrists to give them some relief.
  • Relax your grip and use less force.
  • Avoid bending your wrist excessively, whether up or down.
  • Practice good posture to avoid straining your neck and shoulder muscles.
  • Make adjustments to your work set-up if it i​​s contributing to your symptoms.​
 
Contributed by Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
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