Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

The carpal tunnel is made up by the arch shaped wrist bones and a roof like structure called a retinaculum covering the arch. The tunnel contains many tendons for the fingers, blood vessels and the median nerve. When the wrist is bent, this causes a decrease in the size of the carpal tunnel which can put pressure on the median nerve. Also, swelling and inflammation within the tunnel caused by irritation of the tendons can further compression the median nerve. With chronic nerve compression (typing at the computer all day), signs and symptoms of CTS begin to appear.

Signs and symptoms of CTS include weakness of the hand muscles, decreased muscle bulk in the thumb muscles and numbness, burning or tingling into the fingers. Pain in the hand and wrist is also common but this may also be a sign of other conditions such as arthritis.

Treatment for CTS can include splinting and bracing, activity modification, strengthening, stretching, tendon gliding exercises, ultrasound, acupuncture, anti-inflammatory medication and possible corticosteroid injection or carpal tunnel release surgery.