Carpal Tunnel
What is it?
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when there is an entrapment to the median nerve as it passes through the wrist.
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The space where the nerve passes (the carpal tunnel) can decrease causing intermittent or sustained compression of the nerve resulting in CTS symptoms.
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It is more common in women than men and more common in middle aged and elderly people.
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CTS can also occur during pregnancy. Normally these symptoms tend to resolve in the post-natal period without further treatment.
Typical Symptoms/features:
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Tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the hand.
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Symptoms often worse at night.
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Symptoms might be relieved by shaking the wrist/hand or changing wrist position.
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There may be hand weakness or loss of grip strength.
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In more advanced stages, there may be muscle wastage around the thumb.
Management:
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Activity modification
- When you first start noticing symptoms, it may help to reduce or modify your activity for a short amount of time to allow the symptoms to settle.
- Try to avoid repetitive movements that make the symptoms worse and take regular breaks
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Ice or heat
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Pain relief
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Consider a wrist splint to reduce irritation to the nerve, especially at night.
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A corticosteroid injection may be offered to help manage symptoms.
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Orthopaedic options: In cases with severe and/or prolonged symptoms, an orthopaedic opinion may be warranted for consideration of carpal tunnel decompression surgery.
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Please note that under current pathways, Allied Health Professionals Suffolk does not treat carpal tunnel syndrome. This is to be managed in primary care with direct referral to orthopaedics as appropriate.
Do I need imaging?
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Nerve conduction studies may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis.
