By Rick Stanley, MD
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been seen in medical records dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, which means the computer age is not what triggered the onset of this disorder as many tend to believe. Bound by bones and ligaments, the carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located on the palm side of your wrist. This tunnel protects a main nerve to your hand and tendons that bend your fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome arises when constant pressure is placed on the nerve, reducing the space for it in the carpal tunnel.
Who’s at risk?
Overuse or strain in tasks that require a combination of repetitive, forceful and awkward or stressed motions of your hands and wrists can result in CTS. People who perform work or hobbies which are hand-intensive — forceful pinching or gripping, and working with vibrating tools — may have increased risk of developing CTS.
How can I tell if I have CTS?
CTS typically begins with a vague aching in your wrist that can extend to your hand or forearm. Other common CTS symptoms include: tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand, pain radiating or extending from your wrist up your arm to your shoulder or down into your palm or finger, a sense of weakness and tendency to drop objects and constant loss of feeling in some fingers.
What are the treatment options?
If you are experiencing initials signs of CTS, relax your grip, take frequent breaks (every 15 to 20 minutes), watch your form and posture, apply cold packs to reduce occasional swelling and keep your hands warm to prevent muscle stiffness. If these techniques don’t offer relief, wrist splinting, anti-inflammatory medications or surgery may need to be explored. Surgery can be performed in a minimally invasive procedure that uses an endoscope, a telescope-like device with a tiny camera attached to it that allows your surgeon to see inside your carpal tunnel and perform the surgery through small incisions in your hand or wrist.
If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of CTS, and they interfere with your daily activities—including sleep—see your health care provider. Leaving the condition untreated can cause nerve and muscle damage.
Dr. Stanley practices at Samaritan Mid-Valley Orthopedics in Albany and may be reached at (541) 812-5820.