Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is classified as an entrapment neuropathy, or the compression/trauma of a peripheral nerve. CTS occurs when the median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers. It is also important for sending impulses to the small muscles of the hand that allow fingers (except the pinky finger) to move.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones located at the base of the hand. Irritated tendons or other inflamed tissues narrow the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed, as it is housed inside of the carpal tunnel itself. The result can be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm into the shoulder. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy.
Signs and Symptoms:
The first symptom most people experience and notice is numbness and/or tingling of the hand. Many people attribute this symptom to other issues not related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, there are many other signs associated with this condition and if you suffer from a combination of any of the symptoms listed below, there is a chance that you suffer from either carpal tunnel strain, or CTS. Key signs and symptoms include:
- Sleep interruption (numbness and pain in hands)
- Pain in hand and wrist
- Weakness in hand and wrist
- Pain radiating up the forearm
- Poor circulation in hands (cold hands)
- Hand(s) falling asleep
- Cold hands
- Warm sensation in forearms
- Loss of hand grip strength
- Loss of feeling in fingers/thumb
- Dropping objects, clumsiness
- Loss of fine motor skills in hands
- Aching shoulders and neck
Causes:
The most common cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome remains repetitive stress or over activity of the hand and wrist. Overuse results in swelling of the wrist, particularly within the tendons. This inflammation results in a pinched nerve and symptoms consistent with CTS.
As mentioned, other factors do contribute to condition onset as well. These include a person’s anatomical configuration, wrist use patterns, edema from forceful trauma, as well as metabolic influences (e.g. water retention during pregnancy or significant hormonal changes like those seen during menopause). Lastly, specific lifestyle factors may increase one’s risk for condition onset. This includes persons who use caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol regularly.
Who’s at risk?
- Women are more likely then men to develop CTS
- The number of cases is greatest in the 40 - 60 year age group
- CTS is associated with many disease conditions
- A 2001 study conducted by the Mayo Clinic reported that assemblers and small tool workers were three times more likely to develop Carpal Tunnel than data entry personnel.


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