Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Are Your Hands Trying to Tell You Something?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel houses this nerve and nine tendons, and increased pressure in this tunnel can lead to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. These symptoms often include numbness, tingling, or pain in the fingers and hand, primarily affecting the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically start gradually, with numbness or tingling in your thumb, index, and middle fingers that comes and goes. Many people find their symptoms worse at night, potentially waking them from sleep. As the condition progresses, you might experience a decreased grip strength, making it difficult to grasp small objects or perform tasks requiring fine motor skills.

Conservative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist splinting, especially at night, and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms. Corticosteroid injections into the wrist can offer temporary relief for many individuals. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the median nerve, with most patients experiencing significant improvement post-surgery.

Understanding and early treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome can significantly improve your quality of life.