Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – A Common Cause of Hand Tingling

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common nerve disorders. It affects 4-10 million Americans and results in numbness, tingling, and loss of strength in the hand and fingers. Left untreated, symptoms typically worsen over time. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms. Recovery takes 2 – 12 months, depending upon the severity of the nerve damage.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which connects the forearm to the palm side of the thumb and fingers. This nerve passes through the Carpal Tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist. Risk factors include heredity, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, fractures, dislocations, thyroid disease, and pregnancy. Repetitive motion/vibration, often found in the workplace, is also thought to play a role, but evidence is inconclusive.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and burning in the hand and fingers, often resulting in loss of hand strength and function. Often occurring at night due to sleeping on hands or with bent wrists.  

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Once arthritis, tendonitis, and other nerve issues have been ruled out, a physical examination, history of the symptoms, and any combination of the following series of tests can help confirm a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosis:

• Pinprick or light touch – reveals decreased sensation;
• Phalen Test – symptoms occur when the wrist is bent at a 90-degree angle for 1 minute;
• Tinel Sign Test – electric shock-like sensation is experienced when the wrist is tapped with a reflex hammer;
• Nerve Conduction Test – the most effective method, a two-part electrical test measuring both muscle function and the extent of nerve damage;
• Diagnostic Ultrasonography and MRI – can often reveal a clearer picture of what is going on and why.

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Address underlying causes (such as hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis), often relieving symptoms
• Pain medications
• Wrist splint, especially at night
• Cortisone injection
• Surgery

Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Prevention revolves around reducing your risk factors. Anything you can do to relieve pressure on the wrist area will help, including but not limited to:

• Losing weight
• Identifying and altering repetitive/workplace actions that produce symptoms
• Avoiding activities that require your hand and wrist to be flexed or extended for long periods of time
• Taking care not to sleep on hands or with bent wrists
  Be sure to check out our other article on how allowing your kids too much screen time can lead to carpal tunnel.

References:

• rheumatology.org
• orthoinfo.aaos.org