Pain or Numbness in the Wrists due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a group of symptoms caused by pressure being exerted on the “median nerve”. For the most part, it is caused by inflammation of the tendons in the carpal tunnel, which causes the tendons to become swollen or enlarged. Swelling of the tendons reduces the space in the tunnel and squeezes or put pressure on the median nerve Because the median nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel branches out to the thumb, index finger, middle finger and the ring finger from the side of the thumb, when there is pressure, pain and numbness can occur along the thumb, index finger, little finger or ring finger, and prolonged exposure to said pressure can cause atrophy on the palm muscles on the side of the thumb.

Risk Groups for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

- It occurs more frequently in females than males.

- It often occurs in middle-aged people ranging from 30 to 50 years of age.

- It may be found in pregnant women, whose symptoms can often disappear after delivery.

- Patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders and rheumatoid diseases are more likely to develop this condition than other people.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Frequent symptoms are:

1. Numbness of the thumb, index and middle fingers.

2. Tingling sensations similar to electrocution; and

3. Pain at the wrist, hand and fingers. Pain may radiate up the arm all the way to the shoulder.

4. Symptoms often occur at night or while working, cooking, using the telephone, writing, driving or whenever the wrist is heavily used.

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

1. Non-surgical treatment:

2. Take medications to reduce inflammation and swelling or use a device to support the wrist to reduce inflammation and limit wrist motion.

3. Surgical treatment.

If symptoms do not improve after using the aforementioned methods or if numbness or pain increases or if there is atrophy of the palm muscles on the side of the thumb, the surgery is required for the treatment.

You may find our specialist here at Orthopedics Institute, Phyathai 2 Hospital

Phyathai 2 Hospital

International Correspondence Center

Tel: +66-2617-2444 ext. 2020 or 2047 E mail: onestop@phyathai.com

Pain or Numbness in the Wrists due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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