Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – What Is It?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition where a nerve that runs between the hand and forearm, called the median nerve, gets pinched at the wrist. Because the median nerve controls sensations to much of the hand, if the nerve is pinched, the result is numbness, pain, weakness or a combination of the three in the hand and arm.

The carpal tunnel is a passageway near the wrist that houses the median nerve. If this area becomes irritated and inflamed, it can pinch the nerve.

Painful, numb or weak sensations in the arm, wrist or hand do not always indicate the presence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but this condition is the most common condition to cause these sensations.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome generally occurs due to a combination of factors, including:

• Genetics – Those with smaller carpal tunnels are more prone to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Trauma or injury to the wrist
• Hormonal issues – Including increased activity in the pituitary gland and hypothyroidism.
• Physical stress – notably repeated vibrating (from tools and other machinery)
• Fluid retention – Increases swelling in the joints.
• Development of a tumor in the canal
• Rheumatoid arthritis

It should be noted that repetitive activities that cause aches in the forearm, fingers and wrist are not necessarily symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Signs ofCarpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome’s signs include the following:

• Gradual and frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm and the fingers.
• Feeling of swollen fingers.
• Decreased grip strength.
• Difficultly in forming a fist and grasping small objects.