Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and arm, characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain, often resulting from median nerve compression. The median nerve, which controls sensation and movement in the thumb and first three fingers, passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist. The tunnel is formed by wrist bones on the bottom and the transverse carpal ligament across the top. Repetitive hand motions, wrist anatomy, health conditions, and sometimes fluid retention from pregnancy can exacerbate pressure within the tunnel, leading to nerve impingement.

The symptoms of CTS typically develop gradually and can include nighttime discomfort, weakness in the hand, or a tendency to drop objects. Initially, shaking out the hand may relieve symptoms, but as the condition progresses, symptoms may persist and worsen. Diagnosis involves clinical history, physical examination, and sometimes nerve conduction studies. Management includes ergonomic adjustments, splinting, exercises, medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Early intervention is important to prevent permanent damage and maintain function.