Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects nerves in the wrist and hand. CTS causes tingling and numbness that can make even simple tasks hard to do. The good news: it can be treated to control symptoms. Talk with an AVALA Hand Surgeon about your options.
SYMPTOMS OF CTS
Symptoms in the hand and wrist may include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Pain
At first, symptoms may occur mainly at night. Later, you may start noticing them during your daily routine. Symptoms often come and go, and can get worse overtime.
WORKING WITH YOUR PROVIDER
Talk with your provider about options for treating your CTS. These may include medications, injections, or a splint. Surgery (called carpal tunnel release) may also be an option. Be sure to understand the benefits and risks of these treatments for you. Also be sure to get your questions answered.
A NORMAL CARPAL TUNNEL
The carpal tunnel is a narrow space inside the wrist. It is rigned by the carpal bones of the wrist and the overlying transverse carpal ligament. A major nerve called the median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel from the forearm into the hand. In a healthy wrist, there is room for the median nerve to pass through without being squeezed.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
With CTS, the tendons in the carpal tunnels well and thicken. This crowds the median nerve. The median nerve may be compressed or pinched, causing numbness, tingling, and pain.
