Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects the hand, arm and wrist. It’s a common condition that occurs when inflammation or swelling in the wrist’s carpal tunnel compresses the median nerve, which controls the arm’s sensory and motor functions. Nerve compression in the wrist typically leads to numbness, tingling and difficulty performing everyday tasks, but there are preventive measures you can take. Read on to learn about prevention, causes, symptoms and treatment options.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Pressure on your median nerve causes CTS. Several factors contribute to an individual’s risk of developing the condition:
- Sex assigned at birth: People assigned female at birth are three times more likely to develop the condition.
- Past wrist fractures or breakages: Inflammation from wrist injuries increases your likelihood of CTS.
- Circulation issues: Poor circulation in your carpal tunnel can decrease your hand’s access to oxygen.
- Occupational strain: Operating vibrating power tools, typing and other repetitive motions can cause undue wrist strain.
- Pregnancy: CTS often goes away after giving birth, but worsening is also possible.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Although symptoms begin gradually, the condition worsens over time. To get a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis, let your doctor know if you experience the following:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle and side of your ring fingers
- Fine motor skills like buttoning clothing, typing or gripping items make the sensation worse
- Arm or wrist pain
- Symptoms worsen at night and later cause all-day discomfort
Can Doctors Misdiagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Many symptoms of conditions affecting the wrist may feel similar. However, CTS differs in several ways, so it’s possible to get a misdiagnosis or misdiagnose yourself if you don’t know the details.
Because catching and treating the syndrome quickly is essential, you should still speak with your doctor if you suspect you have CTS or one of these other conditions. They can develop a treatment plan and offer guidance on pain prevention.
Tendonitis Versus Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that connect muscle to bone. Like CTS, you can treat tendonitis with steroid injections, occupational therapy and wrist braces.
Arthritis Versus Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritis is an umbrella term for a variety of joint diseases. It involves joint inflammation that causes pain or stiffness.
CTS is a nerve issue, while arthritis is a joint issue. While surgery is a standard treatment method for carpal tunnel, arthritis surgery is less common.
Neuropathy Versus Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nerve damage causes neuropathy, which is usually the result of underlying conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies or infections. CTS affects the hand’s palm, thumb and three main fingers, but neuropathy symptoms can affect all parts of the hand and even feet.
Pinched Nerves Versus Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pinched nerves are common and can often occur in the carpal tunnel due to its narrow shape. Surgery or steroid injections are treatment options for more serious instances, but ice, stretching, rest and pain medications are more standard. CTS is likely to worsen over time without long-term intervention.
What Does Carpal Tunnel Treatment Look Like?
There are nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for CTS. Speak to your doctor about your symptoms soon to determine the best course of action. Nonsurgical options include:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Posture improvement
- Adjustment to your work environment
- Steroid injections
- Carpal tunnel syndrome exercises
Surgery is also a treatment method. You can get:
- Open release surgery
- Endoscopic surgery
Endoscopic surgery uses one or two small incisions and a camera to conduct the minimally invasive operation. Open release surgery may be quicker than endoscopic surgery but involves a larger incision.
Getting an early diagnosis will maximize your options for pain relief and treatment. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and likely take X-rays. In some cases, they may use electromyography to evaluate potential muscle damage or an ultrasound to examine swelling of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Nerve conduction studies give doctors more information on the nerve’s condition, while electrical testing measures nerve function by assessing how well they conduct electrical impulses.
Nonsurgical carpal tunnel treatment is noninvasive and offers temporary wrist pain relief. Surgical treatment can resolve the deeper issues affecting sensation and mobility in your wrist but requires a few months or years of recovery in extreme cases. It’s important to speak with a medical professional about your options.
What Is the Recovery Process for Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
After surgery, your wrist will be in a splint or bandage for about two weeks. Your doctor may advise you to move your fingers to avoid stiffness and keep your hand elevated to combat swelling. Many people take pain medication after their surgery, and it is common to start physical therapy after the doctor removes the splint or bandage. Physical therapy will help boost your mobility.
The recovery period and success rate of CTS surgery depend on the individual and the severity of their condition. The surgery has a 90% short-term success rate and a 60% long-term success rate. Some patients recover in a week or two, while others require a few months. Your doctor may encourage you to take time off work or restrict activities that could slow healing.
Can You Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are no guaranteed prevention methods for CTS, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Stretch your hands and wrists.
- Take breaks from wrist-straining work.
- Invest in an ergonomic computer mouse.
- Apply gentle force when using tools or typing.
- Use a light touch when gripping objects.
- Sit with your back straight.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed.
- Minimize repetitive work tasks.
How Do You Know You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
If you experience pain, numbness or tingling in your wrist, hand, or fingers, consult your doctor. You should also discuss any difficulty doing everyday tasks that require wrist mobility or grip and visual changes to the area between your thumb and palm with your doctor. The key to diagnosing and treating CTS is seeking medical advice as early as possible.