Carpal tunnel syndrome is a term that refers to a common condition affecting the hand and wrist. The wrist (otherwise know as the “carpus”) contains a “tunnel” bordered by the bones of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament (a strong band of tissue located on the palmar side of the wrist). Several structures pass through this tunnel including the median nerve, which provides motor and sensory function to the hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the condition that results when the median nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel. This can occur from any condition that increases pressure in the carpal tunnel and is often associated with activities that involve repetitive use of the hand. Some conditions that can be related to carpal tunnel syndrome (although not an exhaustive list) are diabetes, pregnancy, fracture, and inflammatory arthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, weakness, and decreased sensation to the hand. These symptoms are often reproducible and predictably happen when the same activities are repeated (such as driving a car, typing on a computer, etc.). People who have carpal tunnel syndrome may also commonly wake up with symptoms. When carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated for long periods of time, permanent damage to the median nerve can result. Nonsurgical treatments such as bracing and injections can be attempted to help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that can be performed to relieve pressure on the median nerve. This is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and can be performed “open” (incision placed in the palm of the hand) or “endoscopically” (with a scope through a small incision on the forearm near the wrist). Recovery times vary depending upon the length of time and severity of the pinch on the median nerve. For more information on endoscopic carpal tunnel release please click on the link below.