Musculoskeletal

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.

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Symptoms

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Causes

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Treatments

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Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
  • Occasional shock-like sensations that radiate to the thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers
  • Pain or tingling that may travel up the forearm toward the shoulder
  • Weakness and clumsiness in the hand
  • Dropping things

Causes

  • Anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space
  • Wrist anatomy
  • Certain health problems (diabetes, RA)
  • Possible repetitive hand motions

Diagnosis

  • History and physical examination
  • Nerve conduction study
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI

Treatment

  • Wrist splinting
  • NSAIDs
  • Corticosteroids
  • Surgery (carpal tunnel release)

Risk Factors

  • Female sex
  • Obesity
  • Nerve-damaging conditions
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Fluid retention
  • Certain occupations

Prevention

  • Reduce force and relax grip
  • Take frequent breaks
  • Watch form with repetitive activities
  • Improve posture
  • Change computer mouse

Prevalence

Affects approximately 3–6% of adults in the general population.