![]() Arthritis-related diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.This may break one or more of the carpal bones and damage the median nerve. Injuries, such as a blow to the wrist.Possible causes of pressure on the median nerve include: However, anything that causes swelling on the tendons or produces repeated pressure on the median nerve can lead to CTS or make it worse if the condition already exists. In most patients with CTS, the cause is not known. This increased pressure affects median nerve function, causing the symptoms of CTS. The most common cause of CTS is swelling or inflammation around the tendons and nerve, which increases the pressure within the carpal tunnel. In the wrist, the median nerve and several tendons that allow the fingers and thumb to bend pass through the carpal tunnel, a "tunnel" created by the carpal (wrist) bone and other tissue. This nerve carries signals between the hand and brain. ![]() The numbness, tingling, and weakness from CTS are due to pressure on the median nerve. Amyloidosis, a disease in which a protein substance collects in body organs.Pregnancy or use of birth control pills (both may cause swelling in hands).Some conditions that are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include: Conditions With Similar SymptomsĪlthough many medical conditions and activities are known to be related to carpal tunnel syndrome, most patients with carpal tunnel syndrome have no specific medical problem associated with it. As the condition worsens and pressure on the nerve becomes greater, the person may experience numbness all the time. When the hand is rested, there may be no symptoms. At first the symptoms come and go, usually affected by excessive use of the hand. A swollen feeling in the fingers-even though they may not be visibly swollenĬTS can begin suddenly or gradually.Pain travelling up the forearm as far as the shoulder.Occasional hand weakness and loss of coordination, especially in the morning.Morning or daytime numbness relieved by shaking the hand.Hand pain and numbness, especially at night.Pain, tingling, or numb fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers. ![]() Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include: Many computer manufacturers include warnings about CTS in their consumer information, although there is no proven connection between the two. Some believe that carpal tunnel syndrome is related to computer use. The condition is more common in women than in men. CTS from non-work causes usually affects people in their 50s, while CTS from work causes is highest between the ages of 20 and 40. Have trouble using hands for certain tasks, such as buttoning a shirt, writing with a pen, or opening a jar lid.Ĭarpal tunnel syndrome affects many people.Have trouble grasping or pinching objects.Daily ActivitiesĬarpal tunnel syndrome may force changes in daily activities, because the person with CTS: Not all surgical cases are the same, this is only an example to be used for patient education. It is important that it be treated before permanent nerve and muscle loss take place. Carpal tunnel syndrome may improve with rest and splinting or may require surgery. With early diagnosis and treatment, however, there is an excellent chance of complete recovery. If not treated, it can lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage. The pressure is most noticeable when the wrist is fully extended or flexed. Pressure inside the tunnel increases and restricts blood flow to the nerve. Space in the tunnel decreases when tendons swell or the ligament thickens. Several tendons and the median nerve pass through this tunnel. ![]() The roof of the tunnel is the thick transverse carpal ligament. The two walls of this anatomical tunnel are formed by bones that support the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a well defined space in the palm at the wrist. This nerve supplies feeling to the thumb, index, middle and ring finger. Specifically, carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve located in the wrist.
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