Carpal tunnel syndrome
What is Carpal tunnel syndrome
This is used to describe a combination of symptoms and signs that result from the compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is the space located between small bones in the wrist on the back of the hand (dorsum) and a strong ligament called the transverse carpal ligament (on the front or the palmar surface of the hand) holding the ends of the bones together.
What may I notice or complain of?
You may complain of tingling, pins and needles and or numbness in the tips of the fingers especially the thumb, index and middle fingers. There may be associated pain in the wrist or pain that extends upwards towards the elbow. The symptoms can be brought on by normal activities such as driving, combing hair or holding the phone. You may have difficulty doing up your buttons. Patients can also complain of dropping objects or have a feeling of weakness of the hands. Nocturnal or night symptoms can occur and disturb your sleep. You may have observed that you get some relief by shaking your hands and getting it to hang down from the bed. Severe and long standing compression can lead to wasting of the muscles of the hand especially on the ball of the thumb.