Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center
What is carpal tunnel and what should I do if I think I have it?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful disorder caused by compression of a nerve in the wrist (carpal tunnel); characterized by discomfort and weakness in the hands and fingers and by sensations of tingling, burning or numbness. This syndrome has many causes including repetitive use or injury of the hand, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pregnancy, weight gain, thyroid disorders and menopause. Repetitive motions can cause swelling and compression of the median nerve and tendons that pass through a tunnel of fibers at the base of the hand causing the symptoms listed above.
There are a number of other disorders that can cause pain, numbness, burning and weakness in the hand. These include hand/thumb arthritis, compression of nerves in the neck, elbow, forearm and other parts of the wrist. Treatment can include splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, physical therapy and surgical release. Sometimes people try wearing a wrist splint (available at most drugstores) to keep the wrist in a neutral position at rest. Splinting is usually tried for a period of 4-6 weeks. Some people wear their splints at night only and others wear their splints both day and night, depending upon when the symptoms are at their worst. If no relief is found at 4-6 weeks, the splints are not likely to help.
You should talk to your primary care provider or an orthopedic surgeon to make sure of the diagnosis. They can usually diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome in the office, but sometimes nerve tests may be ordered.
