Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Description
Computers, texting and other repetitive and overuse motions can cause pain, tingling and numbness in the hand or wrist. The culprit? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a condition in which the wrist’s median nerve is “squeezed” or compressed. It happens when the area around the main nerve to your hand is too tight. And the small space in your wrist where it passes is called the carpal tunnel.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Causes & Triggers
Any crowding of the median nerve can cause this problem. Wrist injuries, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are causes. Pregnancy and conditions that cause your body to hold onto fluid may also cause it. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women. You have a higher risk if your carpal tunnels are smaller than normal. Some think it’s caused by repeated motions of the hand and fingers, especially a lot of typing at the computer. But evidence for that link is not clear.
- Age
- Contributing medical conditions
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid gland imbalance
- Heredity
- Hormonal imbalance
- Repetitive or overuse injuries
Signs & Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness or tingling in your hand. You may feel it in your thumb and in your index, middle and ring fingers. Your grip may be weak. Carpal tunnel syndrome may affect one or both hands.
- Electrical-like sensations in/along:
- Arm
- Index or long fingers
- Thumb
- Numbness
- Pain
- Tingling
Tips & Treatment
To get better, you may need to rest your hand and avoid doing the things that make your symptoms worse. Ice, wrist splints, medicine and injections may help. If they don’t, surgery may be an option. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for your needs.
