Wrist care: Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome
What do I need to know about carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a specific group of symptoms including tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers, thumb, or hand and occasionally spreading up the arm. These symptoms occur when there is pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the wrist's carpal tunnel to the hand. Long-term pressure on the median nerve can cause permanent nerve damage. See a picture of carpal tunnel syndrome
anatomy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually responds well to preventive care and nonsurgical treatment, including rest from problem activities, ice, a wrist splint for use at night, and possibly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation. The earlier you take action, the better the chances of relieving the symptoms and preventing permanent median nerve damage. If your symptoms continue after about 2 weeks of home treatment or are severe, talk to your doctor. He or she may prescribe specific exercises or stronger anti-inflammatory medicine. A physical therapist or occupational therapist can help you with exercises and changing your body mechanics. Surgery is usually reserved for severe, disabling carpal tunnel syndrome that hasn't responded to months of treatment.
This information focuses specifically on factors that you can control during daily activity.
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| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH | Last Updated: October 29, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery | |
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