Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compressing of the median nerve that is found in the wrist. This pressure causes wrist and hand pain. The median nerve is responsible for the impulses that control the hand and fingers as it travels down the arm into the hand from the spine. The transversal carpal ligament forms the covering that protects the median nerve. When this nerve becomes pinched, there is pressure that builds up that causes pain.

Symptoms

Those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome might have sensations of tingling, pain and even numbness in their fingers. Pain usually appears during the evening hours and can usually be relieved by shaking the hand. Doctors generally diagnose carpal tunnel by using two tests. The Tinel test is performed by a physician tapping the median nerve while observing the reaction of the patient. If this tapping causes pain or discomfort then carpal tunnel syndrome may be the cause of the pain. The second test is called the Phalen test and involves the patient pushing their hands against one another for approximately one minute. If signs of pain or discomfort appear it is a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. 80 percent of those that suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome are over 40 years old and most are involved with activities that induce repetitive motion of the wrist on a day to day basis.

Treatment and Therapy

Anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Motrin can be used to relieve symptoms. There are wrist braces designed to keep the wrist in a position that causes the least amount of stress on the median nerve and can be worn to help prevent movements that can cause pain. This brace can be especially effective during the evening hours when pain tends to be at its highest. Cortisone injections are sometimes prescribed. Cortisone is injected directly into the wrist and works for 80 percent of the patients who use this treatment method.

If carpal tunnel syndrome continues to cause severe pain after all other options have been exhausted, then open surgery or surgery aided by a small camera can be preformed in order to make a tiny incision in the sheath that surrounds the median nerve. This tiny incision allows for pressure to be relieved and can alleviate pain. The entire procedure is brief, usually 15 minutes, and very effective.

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