Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a pain, tingling, or other problems in your hand due to the pressure of the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers. The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist which is referred to as the carpal tunnel.

Pressure on this nerve call lead to carpal tunnel pain and this swelling caused by the pressure can make the carpal tunnel smaller. Factors that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include obesity, smoking, wrist injury, and diabetes. Carpal tunnel can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers or hand and some people have reported pain between their hand and elbow.

A clear sign is if you have pain or problems with all of your fingers but your little finger. Symptoms may be first seen at night and may be relieved by shaking ones hand. A physical exam is necessary to confirm if you have this syndrome and your doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle to get a better understanding of your pain.

On some occasions blood and other tests are necessary to treat this but there are some things you can do at home such as stopping activities that cause you pain or resting your wrist after long exercises. You may also need to ice your wrist for 10 to 15 minutes one to two times an hour. You can also try taking anti-inflammatory medications as well. A wrist splint may also be useful as it keeps your wrist in a neutral position but you would do better to only wear this at night.

Massage may also help to alleviate the pain and swelling but must be approved by a doctor before it can be undertaken.