Carpal tunnel is a type of condition that results from the compression of the median nerve, which can exhibit many symptoms. The median nerve is housed within a tunnel that runs from the hand all the way to the upper arm. Sometimes, overuse of the fingers and wrist can cause the tunnel to pinch the nerve. Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, difficulty grasping small objects, and limitations in wrist movement.
In many cases, symptoms of carpal tunnel may not develop until the condition is quite progressed. Early warning signals could include periodic tingling and numbness in the hand and fingers or sporadic pain in the wrist and palm. As the condition worsens, these symptoms of carpal tunnel usually become more frequent and severe. In some cases, symptoms are present in only one hand, though it is more common that both hands are affected.
As the condition progresses, more serious symptoms of carpal tunnel usually develop. Sometimes hands and fingers will become completely numb, and swelling is sometimes evident. In advanced cases, numbness in the hands can be so severe that sufferers are unable to differentiate between heat and cold.
Loss of grip is another symptom of carpal tunnel that usually does not manifest until the syndrome is quite progressed. Those who suffer this symptom may have difficulty making a fist, because they may be unable to bring their fingers to their palms. Those with advanced carpal tunnel may also find it difficult to grasp objects, and may be able to sustain their grip for only short periods.
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome varies depending on the severity of the condition. In most cases, treatment involves resting the affected hand or wrist, and may include the use of splits to immobilize the hand and lower arm. Medications to help reduce pain and inflammation are also commonly prescribed. Sometimes the condition is so severe that surgery may be necessary to repair damaged nerves tissue.
Carpal tunnel may be more common in people employed in fields that require a great deal of hand and wrist movement. This typically includes office workers who may spend many hours typing, and those who work on production and assembly lines. Statistics show that these jobs are more often held by women, and because of this, the majority of those who suffer the syndrome are female. Some studies indicate that women have a 33% higher risk for carpal tunnel than do men.
