The Mystery of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

12/18/2016

by Randy Olson, M.D.

DYERSBURG, TN (December 19, 2016) – Carpal tunnel syndrome is as misunderstood as it is aggravating. While many people attribute the cause to long days at the keyboard, its origins are generally more difficult to define.

Why it hurts, where it hurts, and more.

The carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal bones and transverse carpal ligament in the wrist. Within this tunnel are the flexor tendons that move your fingers and thumb; and the median nerve, which transmits feeling in the index, middle, and half of the ring fingers and the underside of the thumb, and also controls the muscles around the thumb’s base.

Just as some people are smaller than others, some are also born with smaller carpal tunnels. These individuals are at higher risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome because the median nerve has less room inside the tunnel and is more likely to be compressed. Other risk factors include hypothyroidism, fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause, a cyst developing in the tunnel, and trauma or injury that causes swelling. Often, the syndrome is caused by a combination of these factors.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is marked by the gradual appearance of a range of symptoms—including burning, numbness or an electric shock-like sensation that travels up the arm—that begin in the hand and fingers.

Because people often sleep with their wrists flexed, symptoms are often more severe at night, but symptoms can occur at any time. If you do not seek treatment, the symptoms may become constant.

Those who frequently work with their hands are at a higher risk of the condition. If computer work is typically part of your day, take frequent breaks and ensure you sit up straight and keep your wrists straight while typing.

What to do about it.

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome begins with pinpointing the cause of your symptoms. Your doctor or an orthopedic specialist can target the problem with a manual exam and electrophysiological testing of the median nerve’s function.

Conservative treatments aim to stop the syndrome’s progression by modifying exacerbating factors, such as repetitive motions.

Here are the most common treatment options:

• Activity modification, if possible, is an easy way to stop the syndrome’s progression. If your daily activities are loaded with repetitive hand movements, find another way of getting the job done.
• Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, or corticosteroid injections can give relief for a time, but symptoms may return.  Taking Vitamin B6 can also help.
• Bracing or splinting—especially at night—can keep your wrist in a neutral position and prevent wrist movement from contributing to compression of the median nerve.
• Minimally invasive surgical interventions can successfully reduce pressure on the median nerve by dividing the carpal ligament and increasing the size of the carpal tunnel.

At Tennova, we offer a wide range of services designed to meet your health and wellness needs. Visit www.Tennova.com or call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) to learn more about our services.

About the Author

Randy Olson, M.D., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Tennova Orthopedics, located at 1718 Parr Avenue in Dyersburg. Dr. Olson is also a member of the medical staff at Tennova Healthcare – Dyersburg Regional.

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