Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

Carpal Tunnel syndrome is a common computer use injury. Carpal Tunnel syndrome is the best known of several Repetitive Strain Injuries types, or RSI. An RSI can be caused by other repetitive tasks, such as needlework, assembly-line work, yard work and playing a musical instrument. Other forms of RSI include Tendonitis and DeQuervain’s syndrome.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel syndrome most often include hand pain and wrist pain. However, it is not uncommon for sufferers to also experience numbness and tingling of the hands as well as elbow pain. Often, Carpal Tunnel patients experience a loss of strength in their hands, causing them to drop objects and have difficulty performing routine tasks.

Some Carpal Tunnel sufferers even experience pain as far up the arm as the shoulder and neck. Very often pain is at its worst at night, often waking you from sleep. Carpal tunnel can affect one or both hands at the same time.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Different From Other RSI’s?

Carpal Tunnel syndrome is far more common in women than in men. Carpal Tunnel syndrome differs from other RSI’s because it specifically is a disorder in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a canal that is surrounded by bone on three sides and the transverse carpal ligament on the top. The hand’s median nerve passes through this canal, as well as the tendons that run down from the muscles in the forearm, working to allow you to flex your fingers and thumb. When any of the contents of this canal begins to swell, it can cause the median nerve to become compressed. Swelling of the contents of the carpal tunnel can occur from arthritis, fluid retention, diabetes or overuse of the muscles and tendons.

How IS Carpal Tunnel Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have Carpal Tunnel syndrome, you should visit your doctor. The doctor, who can differentially diagnose this condition will rule out symptoms generated from the neck, shoulder and elbow areas. You may be given a nerve conduction test to measure the electrical impulses along your median nerve. This test can help pinpoint that your pain is indeed caused by Carpal Tunnel syndrome, rather than another RSI.

Once your condition has been diagnosed as Carpal Tunnel syndrome, your doctor will recommend a course of treatment. This treatment will often include anti-inflammatory medications that will help reduce the swelling in your carpal tunnel, relieving your symptoms. In addition, you may be required to stop performing the task that causes your swelling and wear a brace or splint for a while, to allow healing. If tendon overuse is the cause of your distress, you will also likely be referred to a physical therapist.

Physical therapy treatment for Carpal Tunnel syndrome can be particularly effective, because not only will you learn stretches and exercises that will relieve your symptoms, but you will also learn ways to prevent further incidences. Proper workstation ergonomics, as well as regular stretching and frequent breaks are all important to preventing additional bouts with Carpal Tunnel pain.

In extreme cases of Carpal Tunnel, patients may elect to have Carpal Tunnel Release surgery performed. This surgery, which is today often performed as an endoscopic surgery, creates relief for about 70% of Carpal Tunnel patients. During the operation, the surgeon cuts the carpal ligament, to release pressure on the contents of the carpal tunnel, including the median nerve. Over time, the carpal ligament will heal itself, but because it will develop scar tissue during the healing process, it should never again be as tight as it was before the surgery. This extra room is typically enough to provide long term relief.

Today, Carpal Tunnel syndrome is a very common condition, affecting a large number of people. Fortunately, it is also quite treatable when addressed early on, and need not interfere with your everyday life.