Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition which occurs when the nerve that runs from the forearm into the hand becomes pressured or squeezed at the wrist. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can occur in about 1 in every 100 people at some stage in their lifetime and the symptoms are typically pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, moving up the arm.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms can begin gradually, with the feeling of burning, tingling, or numbness felt in the palm of the hand and the fingers. The thumb and the index and middle fingers can be particularly affected.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often caused by repetitive strain on the wrist, often because a persons work, hobby or sport dictates a repetitive motion or movement.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can also be due to a congenital predisposition where the physical carpal tunnel is smaller in certain people than in others. A trauma or injury to the wrist and hand area, such as a sprain or fracture, can also cause the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Women are more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, probably because the carpal tunnel is smaller in women than in men.
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be prevented by stopping or reducing the activity that is causing the condition.
Strengthening and stretching exercises are most beneficial in improving the feeling of discomfort.
Drugs and alternative therapies can also be used with good results, however if the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome continue the surgery may be an option.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery is now a common procedure, carried out under local anesthesia and not requiring an overnight hospital stay, to sever the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve.