If you ever feel a numbness or tingling in your thumb, index and middle fingers, possibly experience clumsiness when handling objects or sometimes feel a pain that travels up your arm – even as high as your shoulder – you are exhibiting signs and symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition of the hand that causes the thumb, index and middle fingers to experience a tingling, painful, numbing sensation. When the nerves and tendons that run through the carpal tunnel of the wrist are compressed, they become irritated and swollen. This condition is known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Your orthopedist can diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome based on the complaints of the individual combined with physical tests and often electrical studies.
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are most often reported to be worse at night, after a long day of activity, though symptoms are present throughout the day as well. The most common symptoms include:
- Numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Burning pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Tingling from elbow to wrist
- General weakness in the hand
- A tendency to drop objects
- Difficulty handling small objects
The treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can vary based on the severity of the pain. Self-care at home, therapy and medication are all treatment options, as well as:
- Temporarily relief can often be achieved by shaking the hand.
- A more permanent solution is to wear a wrist brace during the day or at night.
- In the most severe cases, an injection of cortisone into the carpal tunnel may be suggested to relieve the pain.
- If all non-surgical treatments fail to control the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, carpal tunnel surgery will likely be suggested to reduce the pressure on the median nerve.