What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition which impacts the median nerve at the level of the wrist joint.  The median nerve is one of the three main nerve supplies to the hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to compression of this nerve which can result in:

1. pain

2. tingling and/or numbness (usually of the thumb, index, and middle fingers)

3. weakness

4. decreased and/or loss of fine motor function of the hand

Treatment scenarios for this condition can include the following:

1. night splinting

2. physical therapy

3. cortisone injections

4. in severe cases, surgical release of the carpal tunnel

Treatment “tips” to minimize carpal tunnel include the following:

1. Avoid prolonged repetitive tasks which include the wrist, digits, or both

2. Avoid extremes of wrist range of motion – either wrist extension (backward motion) or wrist flexion (forward motion)

3. Rest periods of just a few seconds for the hands can go a long way to the prevention and/or minimization of carpal tunnel syndrome

For more information or to be assessed to see if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, please book an appointment with Gail Hamilton. Gail has over 40 years of experience and specializes in treating hands.