Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Defined

Lots of individuals suffer from carpal tunnel pain. This is a symptom of a condition called the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist resulting in severe numbness of the hand. The passageway between the transverse carpal ligament and the carpal (wrist) bones form the carpal tunnel. This canal is used as a route for the median nerve and nine flexor tendons of the thumb and fingers.

The median nerve and nine flexor tendons pass through the carpal tunnel and if one these tendons swells or becomes inflamed, the nerve gets compressed. This in turn will lead to the symptom of carpal tunnel pain and the condition is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

For most affected people, the main cause of carpal tunnel pain is unknown. There is the belief that the risk factors are primarily genetic. Some consider it to be a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI), which is an injury to the wrist that is caused by continuous repetitive motions. People who work as typists, who use vibration tools and machinery, those who use the computer keyboard for prolonged periods of time, are examples of group of people who can develop and experience carpal tunnel pain. Although some studies have found connections between some activities and carpal tunnel pain, the exact cause of carpal tunnel pain has not been established.

During the early stage of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the symptom is mainly the feeling of numbness in the hand, thumb, index, middle, and part of the fourth fingers. Then there is wrist pain, feelings of ‘pins and needles’ at night, and tingling of the hand. The affected person will start feeling a burning sensation in the affected area as the condition progresses. There is also cramping and weakness of the hand, and sharp shooting pains in the forearm.

Any underlying condition will affect the treatment that a person experiencing carpal tunnel pain will be given. There are ways to combat the carpal tunnel pain. They include proper rest, modifying the activity that the affected person is involved in, the use of wrist wrist brace especially at night, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, periodic resting and range of motion exercises for the wrist/hand. Carpal tunnel is reversible when caught in its early stage. If there is an underlying condition, the treatment will be targeted towards managing this condition.

Medications used in treating carpal tunnel pain include the use of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) which is reported to being used as a pain reliever. A cortisone injection into the carpal tunnel can help relieve carpal tunnel pain if the condition is persisting. To decrease inflammation and carpal tunnel pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.

Chronic pressure on the median nerve which causes persistent numbness and hand weakness, may cause permanent damage. Surgery is considered for cases where carpal tunnel pain has become a chronic problem and serious nerve and muscle damage may occur.

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