Hand Surgery / Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The most prevalent symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, pain, and tingling in one or both hands and arms. This common condition happens as a result of the median nerve being compressed or squeezed as it travels across the wrist into the hand.

For some people, simple solutions such as taking frequent breaks from using the hands and wearing a splint on the wrist are enough to alleviate symptoms. When pressure on the median nerve continues, surgery is usually the best option to correct it. Some of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Repetitive use of the hands. People who operate vibrating machines such as jackhammers are at highest risk.
• Genetic traits passed from one generation to the next can play a role in the functioning of the median nerve.
• The hormonal changes of pregnancy may cause swelling of the wrist for some women.
• Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and imbalance of the thyroid gland increase the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

For most people, problems associated with this condition begin gradually without a specific known injury. General weakness, clumsiness, and burning sensations are also common.