Quick Facts
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median (pronounced mee-dee-an) nerve becomes compressed.
The median nerve is the nerve that travels down the arm into the hand. With carpal tunnel syndrome the nerve is squeezed as it passes through the narrow path (or tunnel) at the wrist.
The pressure on the wrist can cause the fingers and thumb to feel tingly and numb. They may feel paralysed, or unable to move.
How common is carpal tunnel syndrome?
The exact number of Canadians who have carpal tunnel syndrome is not known.
Women develop carpal tunnel syndrome more often than men.
Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome get it after age 50. However, it can occur at any age.
People who do activities that can put stress on the heel of the hand and the wrist may be more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the warning signs of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can affect one or both hands.
The first warning signs are pain, tingling and numbness in the fingers. Usually only one side of the third finger, also known as the ring finger, is affected, and the little finger is not affected at all.
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome you could also get the feeling that the fingers are ‘full’ or swollen. There may be pain from your hand up your arm, perhaps all the way to the elbow.
The pain, tingling and numbness are usually worse at night and when the affected hand is warm.
Your hand can become weak, and it may be harder to do certain things such as picking up and holding objects.
The muscles at the base of the thumb may become smaller than on the other hand or than they used to be.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
With many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome the exact cause is not known.
Injury to the wrist can lead to it.
Different kinds of arthritis that cause the wrists to swell can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Repeated movements and heavy use of the hand and wrist may play a role. Some people who have jobs or hobbies that make them use their hands and wrists in this way may be at greater risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.
People with diabetes may get carpal tunnel syndrome.
There may be a link between carpal tunnel syndrome and hormones. Hormones are substances produced by the body that help different organs run normally. Estrogen is an example of a hormone. It allows women to get pregnant. Some women get carpal tunnel syndrome after a change in certain hormones. For example, a change in hormones can occur during or after pregnancy.
What can you do about carpal tunnel syndrome?
If your doctor thinks you have carpal tunnel, he or she may perform a physical examination and certain tests.
Treatment is done to get rid of the pain, restore feeling in the hand and keep the problem from getting worse.
Learn as much as you can about this disease. Speaking with people who are specialists in arthritis care can provide you with the information you need Medicine.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs – pronounced en-seds) are a type of medication that helps reduce the pain and swelling of the joints and decrease stiffness. However, they do not prevent further joint damage.
Those people who have carpal tunnel syndrome that doesn’t respond to an NSAID may be given cortisone. Often the cortisone is injected into the joint. Cortisone is a steroid that reduces pain and swelling.
Heat/Cold
Applying heat helps relax aching muscles, and reduces pain and soreness. For example, put a heating pad or hot water bottle on the area.
Applying cold helps to lessen the pain and swelling. For example, put an ice pack on the area.
Protect Your Joints
Be kind to your body. After doing heavy work, or doing the same task over and over, stop. Slow down by doing an easy task, or by taking a rest.
If you are doing a task for work or a hobby that may have caused your carpal tunnel syndrome, change how you do that task. Find different tools that can make the task easier.
Use your back, arms and legs to help you keep from putting stress on your wrist and hand. For example, use a shoulder bag instead of carrying something in your hands.
Use helpful devices such as a cart to carry your grocery bags, or an enlarged handle that fits over a knife handle so you can hold it easily.
Consider getting a splint to hold your joints in a comfortable position at night. A splint can help decrease pain, swelling and stiffness.
Relaxation
Relaxing the muscles around an inflamed area reduces pain.
There are many ways to relax. Try deep breathing exercises. Listen to music or relaxation tapes. Meditate or pray. Another way to relax is to imagine or visualize a pleasant activity such as lying on a beach, or sitting in front of a fireplace.
Surgery
If other treatment has not helped your doctor may recommend surgery.
Additional Tips for Living Well
The Arthritis Society offers a variety of programs and services that can be helpful.
You can reach the Society at 1-800-321-1433 from anywhere in Canada.
You can also reach us through our Web site at
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