Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Condition

Compression of the ‘Median nerve’ at the level of the wrist. This nerve supplies power to the large muscle at the base of the thumb and also is responsible or the sensation in the thumb, index and part of middle finger. At the wrist, it runs through a tunnel (‘Carpus’ – latin for hand). The roof of the tunnel is formed by a strong ligament. If the tunnel narrows, it compresses the nerve. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is most common in middle aged patients and occurs more frequently in women. In more than half of all patients it is present in both hands but usually worse on the dominant hand. There are several possible causes. It is often seen in patients who do repetitive hand movements like working on computers or patients with other conditions like diabetes. It can also occur during or after pregnancy.

Symptoms

It often starts with pins and needles in the thumb, index and middle finger. Patients have to shake or move their hands to improve it. It commonly is worst at night and might wake patients up from sleep. It can progress to pain around the wrist and forearm. In severe cases, it affects the thumb muscles and can cause weakness of the hand. The muscle can start to waste and become visibly thinner. Patients may notice difficulties opening tins or bottles.