There is a tunnel bounded by carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament at our wrist. It is called ‘carpal tunnel’. Inside the tunnel, there are median nerve and 9 flexor tendons. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition usually seen in patients with chronic computer/ mouse use.
Other causes include old wrist fracture, repetitive usage of wrist, wrist deformity, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, renal diseases, thyroid dysfunction etc. Anything causing decrease in space of the carpal tunnel could lead to compression on the median nerve. Early symptoms include finger numbness or pain (thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger). Muscle wasting could be seen in severe case. This could cause impairment of hand function.
With mild symptoms, patients could try resting or stretching exercise. With moderate symptoms, oral anti-inflammatory medication, drugs for neuropathic pain, local steroid injection or wrist splint could be used. If there is no improvement after conservative treatment, operation for carpal tunnel release should be considered. Nerve conduction study could be done pre-operatively for assessment to stage the disease objectively.
* Please consult doctors for further details.