Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

by Bobbi Jo Chapman, OTR/L, CHT

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is characterized by hand and wrist pain with loss of sensation in the thumb, index, and middle fingers and/ or weakness in the muscles of the thumb. Compression of the median nerve in its region of the wrist defines carpal tunnel syndrome. This compression can be caused by different things.

  Carpal tunnel syndrome has a higher incidence between 40 and 60 years of age. It occurs three times more frequently in women than men. Some conditions associated with carpal tunnel syndrome are rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid imbalance, diabetes mellitus, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, acute trauma to the wrist, or repetitive motion of the wrist and fingers. Occupational risks include jobs that require repetitive motions of the wrist and fingers as well as prolonged exposure to vibration.

  In its early stages, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated conservatively with splinting, anti-inflammatory drugs, and exercise. If there is no symptom response to these treatments or if the symptoms are more severe, a person may require surgery to release the carpal tunnel area and relieve the pressure to the median nerve.