What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from pressure on a nerve as it runs through your wrist into your palm.  This nerve – the median nerve – originates from the nerves from your cervical spine, then travels down your arm into your wrist and palm.  The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle and generally half of the ring finger on the palm side of your hand.  Additionally, the median nerve provides function to some of the small but very important muscles in your hand especially around the thumb.

In short, carpal tunnel syndrome happens when you develop symptoms from too much pressure on the median nerve.  The pressure generally comes from swelling or inflammation in the structures around the nerve.

Classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are numbness and tingling in the thumb through ring finger.  This is often accompanied by burning pain, electric-like shocks. weakness, difficulty with the use of the hand and symptoms that awake people at night.  Left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to progressive and/or permanent numbness, weakness and loss of function in the hand.

The diagnosis is often made based on your history, symptoms, and examination though at times certain testing is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Early conservative treatment options including wearing a wrist splint/brace to support your wrist with activity or at night, stretching, and/or avoiding aggravating activities.  Steroids – a specific type of anti inflammatory medication – may be beneficial either taken as a pill (orally) or injected (a steroid injection).

If symptoms persist and/or worsen, you should seek evaluation by a Orthopedic Hand Surgeon.  Many patients that develop carpal tunnel syndrome ultimately warrant surgical intervention. 

 Dr. David Holt is an Hand and Upper Extremity specialist Orthopedic Surgeon practicing at the Salt Lake Orthopedic Clinic, based at St. Marks Hospital. 

If you are concerned that you may have carpal tunnel syndrome contact Dr. Holt to schedule an evaluation to discuss your treatment options and develop a plan best for you.