Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

is a medical condition due to compression of the median Nerve as it travels through the wrist at the Carpal Tunnel. The main symptoms are pain, numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and the thumb side of the ring fingers.

Symptoms

typically start gradually and during the night. Pain may extend up the arm. Weak grip strength may occur, and after a long period of time the muscle at the base of thumb may waste away. In more than half of cases, both sides are affected.

Risk factors

Risk factors includes obesity, repetitive wrist work, pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis. There is tentative evidence thathypothyroidism increases the risk. Diabetes Mellitus is weakly associated with CTS. The use of contraceptive Pills does not affect the risk.

Types of work that are associated include computer work, work with vibrating tools and work that requires a strong grip.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is suspected based on signs, symptoms and specific physical tests and may be confirmed with electrodiagnostic tests. If muscle wasting at the base of the thumb is present, the diagnosis is likely.

Treatment

Includes physiotherapy, Splints, Corticosteroid injection, Surgery

Further Information