Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand, wrist, and fingers due to compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This narrow passageway houses the median nerve and tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the hand. Swelling or inflammation in the carpal tunnel can compress the median nerve, leading to symptoms like tingling, numbness, or pain, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Activities like typing, writing, excessive phone scrolling or using tools can strain the wrist and lead to inflammation and compression. Wrist factures or sprains can also damage the carpal tunnel and compress the nerve. And, some individuals even may have a genetic predisposition to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Orthopedic doctors assess for numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers, and may test for wrist flexion on the median nerve. These tests measure the speed of electrical signals in the median nerve, helping to determine if it's compressed. X-rays or MRIs may be used to rule out other conditions or to visualize the carpal tunnel.
Wrist splints, rest, physical therapy, medications, and activity modification can help reduce symptoms. In severe cases, surgery to release the compressed nerve may be necessary.
Some preventive measures include:
- Ergonomic workstation: Adjust your workspace to maintain a neutral wrist position and minimize repetitive movements.
- Take breaks: Avoid prolonged typing or repetitive hand movements and take breaks to rest your wrists.
- Proper posture: Maintain good posture and avoid bending your wrists excessively.
- Strengthening and stretching: Perform exercises to strengthen and stretch the wrist and hand muscles.
