Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common hand condition that happens when pressure is increased on the median nerve, inside the wrist. The median nerve passes through a tunnel in the wrist, hence the name Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index and middle finger. Common symptoms of CTS include:
· Numbness
· Tingling in the fingers
· Pain across the fingers/wrist/arm
· Weakness in the thumb and hand
These symptoms affect the ability to grip and use the hand normally. They are often worse at night and can interfere with sleep, which can become more constant as the condition worsens. There are many treatments used to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, both non-surgical and surgical. Non-surgical treatments include wearing splints at night, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, or getting cortisone injections. If non-surgical treatments are ineffective then surgery is recommended. Surgery will involve cutting the ligament enclosing the Carpal tunnel at the base of the palm to increase the size of the Carpal Tunnel. In turn, relieving pressure on the nerves and tendons passing through the space. The surgery is quick, is done using local anaesthetic and can takes six weeks to fully recover and resume normal activity.