Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although no direct cause has even been identified, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist because of the tight space in which it travels from the upper arm out to the fingers. Sometimes and additional test called an EMG or a nerve conduction study, may be useful to help diagnose this condition. Common complaints are numbness in the thumb, index finger and ring fingers which often times is worse at night, but may progress to more severe pain and discomfort if left untreated. Several treatment options exist for carpal tunnel syndrome and include:
Splinting: Wearing splints at night time may help alleviate symptoms.
- Medicine injection: An anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) is injection into the carpal tunnel.
- Surgery: A small incision is used to release the compressed nerve either with an incision in the palm or via a smaller incision with endoscopic surgery.
