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| WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME? |
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| Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common, painful disorder of the wrist and hand. |
| HOW DOES IT OCCUR? |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. People who use their hands and wrists repeatedly in the same way (for example, illustrators, carpenters, and assembly line workers) tend to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. |
| Pressure on the nerve can also be caused by a fracture or other injury, which may cause inflammation and swelling. In addition, pressure may be caused by inflammation and swelling associated with arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also occur during pregnancy. |
| WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? |
| The symptoms include: |
| - pain, numbness, or tingling in your hand and wrist, especially in the thumb and middle fingers; pain may radiate up into the forearm |
| - increased pain with increased use of your hand, such as when you are driving or reading the newspaper |
| - increased pain at night |
| - weak grip and tendency to drop objects held in the hand |
| - sensitivity to cold |
| - muscle deterioration, especially in the thumb (later stages) |
| HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? |
Your doctor will review your symptoms, examine you, and discuss the ways you use your hands.
He or she may also do the following tests: |
| - Your doctor may tap the inside middle of your wrist over the median nerve. You may feel pain or a sensation like an electric shock |
| - You may be asked to bend your wrist down for one minute to see if this causes symptoms |
| - Your doctor may arrange to test the response of your nerves and muscles to electric stimulation |
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