Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition where pain, numbness, and tingling occur in the hand and wrist due to pressure on the median nerve, often from inflammation or narrowing of the tunnel.

Causes & Risk Factors:
• Genetic predisposition
• Repetitive hand movements
• Extreme hand and wrist positions
• Fluid retention (e.g., pregnancy)
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Wrist injuries

Symptoms:
• Tingling and numbness, especially in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
• Pain traveling up the arm
• Weakened grip and coordination
• Dropping objects due to numbness
• Nighttime symptoms, often disrupting sleep
• Temporary relief by moving or shaking hands

Treatment:
Nonsurgical: Rest, ice, wrist splints, NSAIDS, steroid injections, and activity modification.
Surgical: Carpal tunnel release surgery, either endoscopic or traditional open surgery. Some may opt for local anesthesia.

Recovery:
• Elevate and move fingers post-surgery
• Ice the surgical area periodically
• Possible use of splint or wrist brace for weeks
• Adherence to doctor's return-to-work guidelines
• Potential referral to a hand therapist if pain persists
• Full recovery can take up to a year, with factors like arthritis or tendonitis possibly extending recovery time