Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Nerve Compression)

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) gets the blame for much of the hand pain that we treat.  CTS is the result of compression of the median nerve at that level on the wrist.  This nerve usually provides the sensation to the thumb, index and long fingers.  In its course from the neck to the hand it travels through a tunnel surrounded by the wrist bones and a thick ligament.  Swelling within this tunnel may compress the nerve, resulting in CTS.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

The most common complaints are:

• Numbness and tingling of the thumb, index and long fingers
• Symptoms are worse at night; upon wakening in the morning the hand feels asleep
• The hand and fingers may cramp up and drop things easily
• Sometimes the numbness radiates (spreads) into the forearm
• Eventually, weakness and muscle atrophy can develop.

Why does carpal tunnel syndrome happen?

The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is undetermined.  Repeated motion or prolonged flexion (bending) of the wrist can worsen the condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common following wrist fractures. Sometimes fractures of the wrist or arthritic conditions can narrow the tunnel and compress the nerve.  Rarely, we find a space occupying lesion, like a ganglion, tumor or a congenital muscle anomaly that fills the tunnel and presses on the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be associated with diabetes, renal disease and thyroid conditions.

Treatment

Treatment begins with the following:

• Evaluating and addressing those things that might cause the CTS
• Making simple ergonomic changes to the work space or activity to improve symptoms
• In early cases, splinting, and anti-inflammatory medications including steroid injections.
• If unresponsive to conservative treatment, consideration of surgery to release the carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel release is normally very effective and can result in significant improvement in your numbness, pain and hand function.

If you are suffering from Chattanooga carpal tunnel syndrome, please contact our Tennessee Hand Specialist the Hayes Hand Center today.