Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) - Its causes, symptoms, prevention & treatment

Dr.Neeraj Godara, 5 mins read

The Carpal Tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist, an inch-wide space formed by small wrist bones called carpal bones. Carpal Tunnel protects the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the fingers and thumb. The median nerve is one of the main nerves in the hand and originates as a group of nerve roots in the neck, and the roots come together to form a single nerve in the arm. The nine tendons which bend the fingers and thumb along with the median nerve travel through the Carpal Tunnel.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs due to increased pressure on the median nerve that happens when the tunnel becomes narrowed or when tissues surrounding the flexor tendons swell. These tissues are called synovium, which lubricates the tendons helping the fingers to move. When this synovium swells, crowding of the space of the Carpal Tunnel occurs which leads to pressure on Median Nerve. The abnormal pressure on the nerve results in pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

What are the symptoms?

The Carpel Tunnel Syndrome symptoms are usually because of the compression of the median nerve. The hand might fall asleep frequently and lose grip strength and dexterity. Other symptoms are numbness, tingling, pain in the thumb and fingers, pain and burning sensation traveling up the arm, and severe wrist pain disturbing sleep. Consult a Doctor If you are facing something which has been mentioned above.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Causes

Most of cases, the syndrome is caused by a combination of factors.

• Heredity – this is an important factor; the tunnel space may get reduced with generation and this special feature of anatomical change can run in family traits resulting in syndrome.
• Repetitive use of the hand – abnormal repetition of hand or wrist motion or activities over a prolonged period might aggravate the tendons, causing swelling and pressure on the nerve.
• Wrong hand and wrist position – repetitive action involving extreme flexion or extension of the hand and wrist for a prolonged period can increase the pressure on nerves.
• Women at risk – this syndrome is generally more common in women because the tunnel area is relatively smaller in women than in men.
• Chronic illnesses like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid imbalance can damage the median nerve.
• Medication – some studies have shown the use of anastrozole, a drug used to treat breast cancer can cause the syndrome.
• Obesity – obesity is one of the risk factors for tunnel syndrome.
• Body fluid change – fluid retention may increase the pressure within the Carpal Tunnel. This happens during pregnancy and menopause.

How can this be prevented?

• If your work involves regular heavy uplifting, prolonged writing, or using keyboards, taking regular breaks, using a soft grip pen or free-flowing ink can prevent stress.
• If you work with any equipment that vibrates or requires a great amount of manual force, then take regular brakes.
• Incorrect posture rolls shoulders forward, shortening your neck and shoulder muscles and compressing the nerve in the neck, which in turn affects the tunnel.
• Uncomfortable computer mouse can put a strain on the wrist.
• Continuing working in a cold environment can cause stiffness, so better to control the body temperature by wearing fingerless gloves that can keep the hands and wrist warm.

What treatment options are available?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may disappear on its own without treatment if caused by other conditions like arthritis, thyroid, or pregnancy. But if it is not caused by another treatable condition, then treatment is required as soon as possible. Wrist braces are best when you have mild to moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, a brace or splint is a temporary solution and symptoms may return. Medications are prescribed in the management of the syndrome, mostly anti-inflammatory drugs. Occupational or physical therapists can help in preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. They give exercise to stretch and strengthen the hand and wrist muscles. Yoga can ease pain and boost wrist grip strength. Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to raise the temperature in the hand and wrist; heat can relieve the pain and help to heal. Surgery is the option when the symptoms do not improve in six months. Surgery can be both open and endoscopic. In both surgeries, the doctor cuts the Carpal ligament to take the pressure off the median nerve and relieve the symptoms. After surgery, the ligament comes back together giving more room for the nerve to pass through.

What happens if it is left untreated?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome if left untreated, the condition can disrupt daily life and eventually the movements of the wrist and fingers get restricted leaving a difficult life. Effective treatments are there for this syndrome and normal life can be regained after proper treatment.

While certain exercises, stretches, and certain lifestyle measures can help reduce pressure and strain on the wrist in mild to moderate symptoms, surgery becomes the option for severe symptoms.

Aakash Healthcare and Super Speciality Hospital have the best Hand, Wrist and Microsurgery set up in Delhi. The hospital has the best affordable plan and the best team of Hand and wrist surgeons for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment in Delhi. If you have any queries related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome exercises, carpal tunnel surgery cost, or the best treatment options available for Carpal tunnel pain, call our 24/7 helpline number to book an appointment.

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