Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

The Carpal Tunnel carries tendons and an important nerve from the forearm to the hand.  If the tendons become swollen for any reason, they press on the nerve to cause pain, pins and needles and numbness in the fingers.  Sometimes the pain will spread up the arm to the side of the neck.  Characteristically, the problem wakens sufferers at night and the symptoms can be relieved by shaking the wrist, hanging the hand out of bed and opening and closing the fingers. During the day time the problem may not occur but some people find that it can be brought on by physical activities at work or home such as writing, typing, housework, knitting or DIY.  If the nerve is badly squeezed the problems may continue throughout the day when the hand may feel weak, or the fingers numb or both. There is then a tendency for objects to slip out of your grasp and activities which require fine finger movements like writing or sewing can become more difficult.

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?  

Often no cause is apparent but inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid), an underactive thyroid gland, obesity, pregnancy, previous fracture of the wrist, diabetes and repetitive injury (particularly prolonged exposure to vibration) can all play a part in its development.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treated?

Diuretics (water tablets) may help if fluid retention is present. If symptoms are particularly troublesome at night it may help to sleep in a wrist splint which eases the pressure on the median nerve.

If symptoms persist despite wearing a night splint, some doctors may recommend a small steroid injection injected into the carpal tunnel and although this may be rather uncomfortable the symptoms may be relieved for several weeks. A steroid injection into the wrist joint itself may also be helpful if there is arthritis in your wrist. If other treatments do not make a difference and symptoms continue then surgery is usually considered.

Surgery may be needed if symptoms of any of the following are persistent:
      ·        weakness 
      ·        pins and needles 
      ·        loss of feeling in the thumb, index and middle fingers 
      ·        numbness and pain at night that prevents sleep

The operation reduces the pressure on the nerve. This offers relief of discomfort or pain although the return of normal feeling may take some time. This kind of surgery is usually successful and normal hand function usually returns completely.

 Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated but it is important to see your doctor early for the best chance of recovery.