Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

It is defined as the compression of median nerve in the tunnel which formed by bones and ligaments of your palm side. Signs and symptoms include numbness and weakness in your hand.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms include:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness
• pain

Causes

It is cause by the compression of median nerve in the carpel tunnel. Median nerve supply sensation to your thumb and fingers from palm side except little finger. Fracture of the wrist sometime give the pressure on carpel tunnel and compress the nerve. Swelling and inflammation also cause compression like in rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis

For diagnosis your doctor might recommend the following tests:

• Take medical history about signs and symptoms.
• Physical examination of your hand to check the sensation and pain.
• X-ray to see the detail image of your wrist
• Nerve conduction test to check the function of median nerve
•  
• Blood test to check the complete blood count.

Treatment

Treatment depend upon the severity of your symptoms. Treatment options include:

• Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain
• Take over the counter pain killers.
• Rest your wrist
• Avoid heavy activities
• Wrist splinting
• Corticosteroids to relieve pain
• Endoscopic surgery

Lifestyle and home remedies

Home remedies include:

• Lose weight
• Rotate wrist slowly
• Take pain reliever
• Wear a wrist splint
• Avoid sleeping on hand