Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes And Treatment

What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Specifically, it occurs when the median nerve is literally trapped inside the carpal tunnel, being the most common cause of tingling and numbness of the upper extremities, as this nerve is responsible for giving sensitivity to the palm and index finger, thumb and middle finger.

It is more common in women and usually appears after 40. But, what are the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome? What’s the best treatment? Let’s look more closely behind this problem.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes

Repetitive Hand Movements

One of the leading causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is performing repetitive motions with the hands and wrists over an extended period.
Common culprits include:

• Typing and computer work
• Assembly line tasks
• Sewing, cleaning, or repetitive lifting

Wrist Injuries

Fractures, sprains, or any trauma that causes swelling or deformity in the wrist can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. The swelling puts pressure on the median nerve, triggering symptoms.

Inflammatory Diseases

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus can cause inflammation around the tendons in the wrist. This inflammation narrows the carpal tunnel, increasing pressure on the nerve.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations — especially during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid imbalances — can cause fluid retention, which may swell tissues in the carpal tunnel and compress the median nerve.

Genetic Predisposition

Some people naturally have a smaller carpal tunnel, making them more susceptible to median nerve compression even without a specific injury or repetitive use.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Here’s a closer look at the common symptoms associated with CTS:

Numbness and Tingling

The earliest and most common symptoms are numbness and tingling in the fingers or hand, particularly the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.

These sensations often occur while holding a phone, a steering wheel, or reading a book. Many people notice symptoms worsen at night, leading to disturbed sleep.

Why It Happens:
The median nerve, which controls feeling in these fingers, becomes compressed inside the carpal tunnel, disrupting normal sensation.

Hand Weakness

As the condition progresses, individuals may experience noticeable weakness in their grip.

• Dropping objects becomes more frequent.
• Tasks like opening jars, buttoning shirts, or carrying groceries can become challenging.

Why It Happens:
The compression affects not just sensation but also the nerve signals responsible for muscle strength, particularly affecting the muscles at the base of the thumb (thenar muscles).

Pain or Discomfort

Pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome can vary from mild discomfort to sharp, shooting pain that extends from the wrist up the arm or even into the shoulder.

• Some people feel a “burning” sensation along the median nerve pathway.
• Pain can be intermittent at first but may become constant if untreated.

Swollen Feeling in the Fingers

Though there may not be visible swelling, people often describe a feeling that their fingers are “swollen” or “thick,” making it hard to move them precisely.

This feeling can lead to clumsiness and frustration during fine motor activities like typing or writing.

Why It Happens:
The brain misinterprets the faulty signals from the compressed nerve as swelling or tightness.

Symptoms That Fluctuate

At first, symptoms might come and go, appearing after specific activities (like typing or holding objects for long periods) and then fading. Over time, however, the symptoms can become constant and more severe without proper intervention.

Why This Matters:
Fluctuating symptoms make it easy to dismiss CTS in its early stages, delaying diagnosis and allowing more nerve damage to occur.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

The best treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and how long they’ve been present.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

For mild to moderate cases, doctors usually recommend:

• Wrist Splinting: Wearing a splint, especially at night, to keep the wrist in a neutral position and reduce nerve pressure.
• Activity Modifications: Taking frequent breaks, adjusting hand positions, and using ergonomic tools to minimize strain.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid shots can provide temporary but powerful relief by reducing inflammation around the nerve.

Physical Therapy

Specific hand and wrist exercises can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and relieve pressure on the carpal tunnel.
Therapists may also teach nerve-gliding exercises to promote healthier nerve movement.

Surgical Treatments

If symptoms are severe or don’t improve with conservative measures, carpal tunnel release surgery might be necessary.

The surgery involves cutting the ligament pressing on the median nerve to create more space. It’s often a quick outpatient procedure with a high success rate.

Conclusion

Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Individuals diagnosed with CTS should work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan. In some cases, ongoing management with splinting, therapy, and lifestyle changes can prevent the need for surgical intervention altogether.

By being vigilant about symptoms, seeking timely care, and adopting proactive habits, individuals can maintain optimal hand function and minimize the impact of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on their daily lives.