INTRODUCTION
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when one of the nerves that supplies the hand (median nerve) gets compressed in a tunnel in the wrist area
Pressure builds in this closed tunnel, leading to irritation of the nerve, which causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand
It primarily affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers, since those fingers are supplied by the median nerve
5%: Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in the general population
CAUSES
Multiple repetitive wrist movements can predispose patients to carpal tunnel syndrome
Pregnancy and some medical conditions can lead to changes that increase the chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Hand pain
Difficulty gripping, dropping objects
TREATMENT
First line of treatment is night-time wrist brace immobilization, rest, and anti-inflammatories
Steroid injections may help decrease inflammation and improve carpal tunnel symptoms
Surgical release is the definitive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, if conservative management fails. Surgery is minimally invasive and involves releasing the transverse carpal ligament. It is an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia and mild sedation. Recovery is quick
PREVENTION
Avoid repetitive wrist motions and constant gripping motions
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