What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow structure in wrist that serves as a passageway in the wrist for nerves and tendons of the hand and fingers. One of the nerves that passes through the carpal tunnel is the median nerve that controls feelings in the thumb, index, middle and ring finger as well as the muscles around the base of the thumb.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed leading to numbness, tingling or weakness in the wrist or hand. The compression is caused by a narrowed carpal tunnel due to swelling or inflammation of the tendons that are passing through it.

What are the causes and risk factors for the carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by repetitive wrist and finger flexion or forceful hand movements due to sports or work-related activities. Other factors include hormone changes (e.g. related to pregnancy), age or various medical conditions that contribute to joint swelling.

What are the symptoms?

• Numbness and tingling in the hand / wrist / forearm
• Pain in the hand / wrist / forearm that can radiate to the shoulder
• Weakness in the muscles of the affected area, e.g. losing of grip strength
• Stiffness in the fingers (especially in the morning)

What are the treatment options?

• Rest
• Avoidance of aggravating activities
• Wearing a wrist splint during the day or at night
• Ice or anti-inflammatories for swelling and pain management during the acute phase
• Exercise rehabilitation that focuses on stretching, increasing range of motion and improving strength

Exercise Programming and Prevention Strategies

The exercise protocol to prevent or improve the carpal tunnel syndrome should focus on regaining range of motion and strength of the elbow wrist, finger extensors and flexors. Apart from that it is important to reduce the risk factors associated with carpal tunnel including by taking frequent breaks, paying attention to your ergonomics and improving your posture. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to determine which would be the best treatment approach for you.