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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Condition Basics

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling, weakness, pain, and other problems in your hand that are caused by pressure on the median nerve, Opens dialog in your wrist.

The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand. They pass through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel, Opens dialog. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers, Opens dialog. It doesn't control movement of your little finger.

What causes it?

Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. Activities that cause repeated movements and vibration can cause this pressure. Sometimes the cause isn't known. Thyroid problems, diabetes, and pregnancy are some of the things that make carpal tunnel syndrome more likely.

What are the symptoms?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the palm side of the fingers and hand. Some people may have pain in their arm between the hand and the elbow. Symptoms most often occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger.

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose this syndrome, your doctor will ask about health problems that could cause the condition. The doctor will ask about your routine and any recent activities that could have hurt your wrist, arm, or neck. You will get a physical exam, including comparing the strength of both hands. You may need nerve tests.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

You can treat mild symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome with home care. This includes wearing a wrist splint, icing your wrist, and avoiding activities that cause the problem. Corticosteroids taken by mouth or by injection are a treatment option. Surgery may be needed when you have severe symptoms and when other treatments haven't helped.

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Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.