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Injury advice > Hand Injuries > Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve is one of the nerves which supplies the hand. It passes through the wrist in a narrow channel called the carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Traumatic wrist injury such as sprains and fractures.
  • Repetitive use of the wrist (Carpal tunnel syndrome is a form of RSI).
  • Pregnancy - causing fluid retention in the wrist.
  • Use of vibrating machinery.
  • Congenital - some people naturally have a smaller, narrower carpal tunnel.
  • Arthritis.

All of these conditions can cause a narrowing of the space through which the median nerve passes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is three times more common in women, probably because they have a smaller carpal tunnel. It also has a higher prevalence in people with diabetes and other conditions which directly affect the nervous system. Some professions are more at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, especially people working on an assembly line, who are continually repeating the same movement.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Symptoms usually increase gradually and may initially only be present at night. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be in one or both wrists.

  • A dull ache in the wrist and forearm.
  • Pain which radiates into the thumb and four fingers (excluding the little finger).
  • Sensations of tingling or burning in the hand or four fingers.
  • Pain which is worse at night.
  • Pain may radiate into the forearm, elbow or shoulder.
  • Weakness in the fingers and hands.

Treatment:

  • Rest
  • Immobilisation
  • Cold therapy to ease pain and inflammation
  • Anti-inflammatories (Doctor prescribed)
  • Once pain has eased a rehabilitation program involving stretching and strengthening exercises has be used.

If symptoms do not improve following rest and anti-inflammatories, other options include Corticosteroids or lidocaine injections. If all of this treatment fails and symptoms persist over a 6 month period, surgery may be required.

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Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand and wrist injuries.