Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition where pain, numbness, and tingling occur in the hand and wrist due to pressure on the median nerve, often from inflammation or narrowing of the tunnel.
Causes & Risk Factors:
• Genetic predisposition
• Repetitive hand movements
• Extreme hand and wrist positions
• Fluid retention (e.g., pregnancy)
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Wrist injuries
Symptoms:
• Tingling and numbness, especially in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
• Pain traveling up the arm
• Weakened grip and coordination
• Dropping objects due to numbness
• Nighttime symptoms, often disrupting sleep
• Temporary relief by moving or shaking hands
Treatment:
Nonsurgical: Rest, ice, wrist splints, NSAIDS, steroid injections, and activity modification.
Surgical: Carpal tunnel release surgery, either endoscopic or traditional open surgery. Some may opt for local anesthesia.
Recovery:
• Elevate and move fingers post-surgery
• Ice the surgical area periodically
• Possible use of splint or wrist brace for weeks
• Adherence to doctor's return-to-work guidelines
• Potential referral to a hand therapist if pain persists
• Full recovery can take up to a year, with factors like arthritis or tendonitis possibly extending recovery time

[@peacebeuntoyou8934]

Our manager booked a day of bowling for our team but since I was suffering from CTS I had no intention of going, but I was persuaded by the manager who reassured me that I could spectate only, not participate. After spectating for a while, the manager pulled me out of the seat saying 'come on, have a go'. I thought the only way to get him off my back was to try to bowl. I can tell you that it was very painful, but something happened, I can honestly say that I have no idea how many balls were bowled, but the pain had disappeared, I only noticed the pain had gone after I stopped playing and sat down again. That was about 20 years ago, I've never suffered from it since.

[@catherinelyden4026]

Great video to start with, however what about the exam - phalens and tinels?

[@Moneymagi]

So that's why mine spasms and closes etc

[@KatieKemna]

Mine isn’t numbness but pain and it extends to my thumb from the forearm. This didn’t start until my third trimester. I’m wondering if it’s related to carpal tunnel, pregnancy, or just haven’t slept on it wrong..

[@mjbrownii]

I’m not a doctor so i recommend getting checked out, but I had a similar issue and I was told I have tendinitis.

[@alycekathrynstewart2443]

@KatieKemna, I had the same experience during my pregnancy. My FIL was a neuroradiologist and told me it was most likely carpal tunnel, due to my swelling from pregnancy exacerbating the condition. After delivery, it disappeared for awhile. 19 years later, I’m scheduled for open carpal release:( Sleeping on my side, dropping my arm down from side of bed, was the only thing that gave me relief while sleeping.

[@ui.steven]

Mine isn't numbness too but pain and the problem was that i had an injury years back while playing football but the pain is occurring now