Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common hand condition that causes hand numbness, pain and
weakness. Symptoms occur when the median nerve that runs in the carpal tunnel becomes
compressed.
What Causes It?
The cause is usually unknown but some factors can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Overuse of the wrist in activities can contribute to development of the condition. This includes activities that involve:
Repetitive wrist movements
Prolonged awkward wrist positions
Prolonged firm grip or pressure on the palm
High speed or forceful finger movements (e.g. typing)
Signs And Symptoms
Numbness of the palm aspect of the thumb, index, middle and sometimes, half of the ring finger
Night pain causing one to wake from sleep
Clumsiness or difficulty with buttons
Muscle wasting
Diagnosis And Treatment
An accurate history and examination is usually sufficient to make a diagnosis. You may need to go for an X-ray if, an underlying bone problem is suspected. Your doctor may order a nerve test, called EMG, to confirm an abnormality of the nerve.
Treatment Options
Conservative If the symptoms are mild, you may be given conservative treatment such as:
Lifestyle modifications to reduce repetitive activity
Oral medication
Night splinting
Hand therapy and nerve gliding exercises
Steroid injection into the carpal tunnel
Surgical
If the symptoms are more severe and persistent, you may be required to undergo minor surgery at day surgery clinics. Post operation hand rehabilitation is also available.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
The aim of surgery is to prevent the worsening of symptoms by relieving the compression on the median nerve. It is typically a day surgery procedure done under local anaesthesia. The associated risks are:
Infection
Bleeding
Scar formation
Incomplete release
Nerve injury
Pillar pain
Our department offers all modalities of carpal tunnel surgery including the open and semi-open techniques and the minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Procedure
For more information on our services at the Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, click here
Watch this 3D animation video to learn about what happens during a carpal tunnel release surgery:
Watch this video to learn about post-carpal tunnel release surgery care advice:
