Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Carpel tunnel syndrome is a nerve compression condition which produces symptoms typical of a pinched nerve.    It is the most frequently seen type of pinched nerve in the wrist.

The carpel tunnel consists of carpal bones on the bottom, ligament on the top and the two major wrist bones.    The carpal tunnel contains eight muscles and the median nerve runs through it.

Women aged 30 to 50 are most likely to develop a pinched nerve in the carpel tunnel.  

Risk Factors for Carpel Tunnel Pinched Nerve Syndrome

Among the major contributors to a pinched nerve in the carpal tunnel are rheumatoid arthritis, other forms of wrist arthritis, Type 1 diabetes, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, a ganglion, fractures or dislocation.

There is a common perception a pinched nerve in the carpel tunnel is largely due to repetitive movements of the wrist, but that is erroneous.    While this may happen, it is only occurs rarely. 

The cause of a carpal tunnel pinched nerve is most often idiopathic, or unknown. 

Symptoms of Carpel Tunnel Pinched Nerve Syndrome

Pain in your hand and wrist are indicative of carpel tunnel pinched nerve.    This is accompanied by tingling and numbness where the median nerve travels into the hand.     The palm side of the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers are the usual sites of the tingling and numbness, but sometimes the whole hand is involved.

Suffers of carpel tunnel pinched nerve often awaken during the night because of burning or aching pain.   In order to restore circulation and lessen the pain, you find yourself shaking your hand.

In situations where the carpel tunnel pinched nerve has been present for a long time, you may experience atrophy and thumb opposition and abduction weakness.

Diagnosis of Carpel Tunnel Pinched Nerve Syndrome

A physical examination of your wrist will often lead to a diagnosis of carpel tunnel pinched nerve.     If the surface of your wrist where median nerve is located underneath is tapped, paresthesias may occur.    This is called the "Tinel's sign".   

Another test is where your wrist is flexed to discover if tingling is reproduced.    If tingling happens, this is known as the "Pahlen's sign".     When both these tests are positive, it is likely carpel tunnel pinched nerve syndrome.

To rule out other forms of peripheral neuropathy, you may be sent for nerve conduction testing to confirm the diagnosis of carpel tunnel pinched nerve.

Treatment of Carpel Tunnel Pinched Nerve Syndrome

Surgery for any condition should always be approached with caution.    There are risk factors associated which need to be considered carefully.    Possible dangers of a surgical pinched nerve release include bleeding, infection, injury to nerves, vessels or tendons, a tender scar, incomplete release and reoccurrence of pinched nerve symptoms.

Conservative treatment is the wisest first option.   Your physician may prescribe analgesics or anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and swelling.  A lightweight splint to neutralize the wrist will often alleviate the pain, especially during the night when carpel tunnel pinched nerve symptoms seem to intensify.  

Ergonomic corrections, such a changing the position of your keyboard if you spend a large amount of time at a typing, may assist.     Taking breaks from repetitive movements or, if necessary, attempting to find alternative methods to accomplish tasks might be advisable to reduce the symptoms of carpel tunnel pinched nerve.

Conservative treatment provided by a chiropractor may be beneficial for carpel tunnel pinched nerve ^ref.   A chiropractor, along with manipulations or adjustments to your arm and cervical spine, will give valuable advice about how to minimize the symptoms of a carpal tunnel pinched nerve.