Carpal tunnel syndrome describes an irritation of the synovial membranes around the tendons in the carpal tunnel. This inflammation results in pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve travels from the forearm into the hand through a ‘tunnel’ in your wrist. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a strong band of connective tissue or ligament. This tunnel also contains nine tendons that connect muscles to bones and bend your fingers and thumb. These tendons are covered with a lubricating membrane called synovium which may enlarge and swell under some circumstances. If the swelling is sufficient it may cause the median nerve to be pressed up against this strong ligament which may result in numbness, tingling in your hand, clumsiness or pain, all classic signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by anything that irritates the synovial membranes around the tendons of the hands and in turn causes pressure on the median nerve. Some common causes include:

• Repetitive grasping with the hands
• Repetitive bending of the wrist
• Overuse
• Increases in the intensity and duration of exercise (racket sports are common) Improper and ill-fitted equipment
• Broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling
• Arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type
• Thyroid gland imbalance
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes associated with menopause

Symptoms

• Numbness and tingling in the hands
• Decreased sensation in the thumb, and fingers
• Tingling over the wrist
• Pain when holding the wrist in a bent position for a period of time
• Weakness of the hand

Treatment

Our doctors will perform an examination to find the source of your pain. Chiropractic, neurological, orthopedic and physical testing helps us to determine a treatment program.