There are eight carpal bones of the wrist that fit into a
shallow socket formed by the bones of the forearm. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
occurs when there is pressure placed on the median nerve due to thickening of
the transverse carpal ligament.
Thenar atrophy is commonly associated with
severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur during pregnancy
due to swelling, which compresses the median nerve in the hand, causing the
fingers to feel numb. These symptoms typically go away after the delivery of
the baby. Common causes of Carpal Tunnel syndrome are: obesity, hypothyroidism,
arthritis, diabetes, trauma, and repetitive work (typing and lifting). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can lead to numbness,
tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers. The numbness usually occurs at
night because we tend to sleep with our wrists flexed.
The Tinel’s test is used to determine symptoms of carpal
tunnel syndrome. The test is considered positive if symptoms of tingling worsen
while tapping on the median nerve at the wrist. The Phalen’s maneuver is a
diagnostic test performed to determine if the patient has carpal tunnel
syndrome. During this test, the back of the hands are pressed together,
compressing the nerve, which may cause the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome includes:
anti-inflammatory medications, a splint, therapy, injections, and carpal tunnel
release surgery. A carpal tunnel release is performed by cutting through the
transverse carpal ligament. A carpal tunnel release allows the median nerve to
pass freely through the tunnel to receive sensations from the thumb, index, and
middle fingers of the hand. The idea is similar to a tunnel being widened so a
large truck can pass through.
