Carpal tunnel is a condition of the median nerve, which is located in the wrist. Bones and tissue in the inner wrist area form the carpal tunnel passageway. The function of the carpal tunnel is to protect the nerve, but it can narrow and eventually pinch or compress the nerve. Even though the median nerve is located in the wrist, pressure on this nerve can cause pain in the hands, fingers, and sometimes even the forearms.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed from constant pressure or overexertion. For example, piano playing, typing, or doing repetitive motions can all cause strain on the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by trauma to the wrist. If the patient has suffered from a bone fracture, they may experience inflammation that could compress the nerve. Other underlying conditions may also cause swelling in the wrist including tumors, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even pregnancy.
The median nerve extends from the wrist and into the thumb and first three fingers. For this reason, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome should not feel pain in their pinky finger. In the rest of the fingers, patients may feel a tingling or “pins and needles” sensation. Symptoms may feel worse when grasping everyday objects like a purse or cell phone. Carpal tunnel syndrome may also cause weakness in the hands, so patients may accidentally drop these items or have difficulty holding onto them as well. Additionally, it may become difficult to differentiate between hot and cold objects. At first, symptoms may come and go, but after a while, the numb feeling could become consistent.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that is easy to treat. At Tulsa Pain, our physicians may begin with conservative treatments such as rest or ice. We may recommend using a keyboard that has less of an impact on the wrists as well. If necessary, our physicians can set patients up with a wrist splint to prevent overexertion of the wrist and promote healing. If a patient’s carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a condition that causes swelling in the wrists, we may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help relieve some pressure off of the median nerve. Patients may also opt for steroid injections of the wrist to reduce inflammation, or utilize physical therapy as well.
