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Causes

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Next in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Guide

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)is a condition that develops when themedian nervein the wrist and hand is compressed. This condition causes pain, tingling, numbness, and eventually weakness in the hand and fingers. You can manage, or even reverse, carpal tunnel syndrome with lifestyle changes, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.

This article discusses carpal tunnel syndrome—what it is, symptoms of the condition, how it is diagnosed, and treatment options.

MICROGEN IMAGES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

Examining the hand of a senior patient with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Repetitive Strain Injury: Everything You Need to Know

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Other symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include the following:

Neuropathy in Hands: What Causes Nerve Damage?

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel contains eight tendons and the median nerve. Swelling or thickening of the tendons in the carpal tunnel can compress the median nerve, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. The exactcause of this conditionis not always known, but many factors can increase the risk of developing CTS.

These include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is CommonCarpal tunnel syndrome is the most common type of nerve compression disorder, affecting about 8% of Americans.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Common

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common type of nerve compression disorder, affecting about 8% of Americans.

Which Jobs Make Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Worse?

Some jobs and hobbies can increase your development of carpal tunnel syndrome—mainly if the job requires repetitive, forceful gripping, wrist bending, and vibrating tools.Examples include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome can also develop from sedentary desk jobs that require a lot of typing or writing—especially if the workstation is not set up correctly.

How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical exams and tests to assess nerve function. During a physical exam, a healthcare provider may perform tests, such as Tinel’s sign or Phalen’s test, to reproduce your symptoms if you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

A provider might also perform anerve function testto assess the extent of damage caused to the median nerve with CTS. These include:

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome can range from lifestyle changes to surgery, depending on the severity of nerve damage at diagnosis.

Lifestyle Changes

Minor changes to your daily activities can help decrease symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and possibly reverse the condition. These can include:

Alternative Treatments for Carpal Tunnel SyndromeAlternative treatments could also help reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.Examples include:AcupunctureYogaChiropractic careAnti-inflammatory diet

Alternative Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Alternative treatments could also help reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.Examples include:AcupunctureYogaChiropractic careAnti-inflammatory diet

Alternative treatments could also help reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Examples include:

Carpal Tunnel Exercises

More severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can cause weakness and decreased fine motor skills. Acertified hand therapist(occupational or physical therapist) can provide you with an individualized exercise plan to address your specific limitations.

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)can help reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Examples include Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and Bayer (aspirin). Oralsteroid medicationsor acortisone injectionmight be required for more severe cases.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery—called carpal tunnel release—might be required to relieve pressure on the median nerve. This is one of the most common surgeries in the United States.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be reversed with surgery, but for some people, full recovery can take up to a year.

Risks of Untreated Carpal Tunnel SyndromeIf you suspect you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, see your healthcare provider. Untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, leaving you with numbness and decreased function of your hand.

Risks of Untreated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you suspect you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, see your healthcare provider. Untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, leaving you with numbness and decreased function of your hand.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Flares

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can come and go. To help reduce the risk of flare-ups, continue to perform CTS exercises several times per week and use good ergonomics.

If your symptoms reoccur, address them early. Wear your splint, mainly while sleeping, to reduce pressure on your median nerve. See your healthcare provider if conservative treatment is not relieving your symptoms.

12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome.Scalise V, Brindisino F, Pellicciari L, Minnucci S, Bonetti F.Carpal tunnel syndrome: a national survey to monitor knowledge and operating methods.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(4):1995. doi:10.3390%2Fijerph18041995American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Carpal tunnel syndrome.Newington L, Harris EC, Walker-Bone K.Carpal tunnel syndrome and work.Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015;29(3):440-453. doi:10.1016%2Fj.berh.2015.04.026American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Advice from a hand therapist: workstation ergonomics.National Library of Medicine.Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. Medline Plus.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome.Dong Q, Li X, Yuan P, et al.Acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Neurosci. 2023;17:1097455. doi:10.3389%2Ffnins.2023.1097455Garfinkel MS, Singhal A, Katz WA, Allan DA, Reshetar R, H. Ralph Schumacher J.Yoga-based intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized trial.JAMA. 1998;280(18):1601-1603. doi:10.1001/jama.280.18.1601American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Exercise program for carpal tunnel syndrome.Li Y, Luo W, Wu G, Cui S, Zhang Z, Gu X.Open versus endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;21:272. Doi:10.1186%2Fs12891-020-03306-1American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Carpal tunnel syndrome.

12 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome.Scalise V, Brindisino F, Pellicciari L, Minnucci S, Bonetti F.Carpal tunnel syndrome: a national survey to monitor knowledge and operating methods.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(4):1995. doi:10.3390%2Fijerph18041995American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Carpal tunnel syndrome.Newington L, Harris EC, Walker-Bone K.Carpal tunnel syndrome and work.Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015;29(3):440-453. doi:10.1016%2Fj.berh.2015.04.026American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Advice from a hand therapist: workstation ergonomics.National Library of Medicine.Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. Medline Plus.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome.Dong Q, Li X, Yuan P, et al.Acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Neurosci. 2023;17:1097455. doi:10.3389%2Ffnins.2023.1097455Garfinkel MS, Singhal A, Katz WA, Allan DA, Reshetar R, H. Ralph Schumacher J.Yoga-based intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized trial.JAMA. 1998;280(18):1601-1603. doi:10.1001/jama.280.18.1601American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Exercise program for carpal tunnel syndrome.Li Y, Luo W, Wu G, Cui S, Zhang Z, Gu X.Open versus endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;21:272. Doi:10.1186%2Fs12891-020-03306-1American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome.Scalise V, Brindisino F, Pellicciari L, Minnucci S, Bonetti F.Carpal tunnel syndrome: a national survey to monitor knowledge and operating methods.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(4):1995. doi:10.3390%2Fijerph18041995American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Carpal tunnel syndrome.Newington L, Harris EC, Walker-Bone K.Carpal tunnel syndrome and work.Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015;29(3):440-453. doi:10.1016%2Fj.berh.2015.04.026American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Advice from a hand therapist: workstation ergonomics.National Library of Medicine.Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. Medline Plus.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome.Dong Q, Li X, Yuan P, et al.Acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Neurosci. 2023;17:1097455. doi:10.3389%2Ffnins.2023.1097455Garfinkel MS, Singhal A, Katz WA, Allan DA, Reshetar R, H. Ralph Schumacher J.Yoga-based intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized trial.JAMA. 1998;280(18):1601-1603. doi:10.1001/jama.280.18.1601American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Exercise program for carpal tunnel syndrome.Li Y, Luo W, Wu G, Cui S, Zhang Z, Gu X.Open versus endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;21:272. Doi:10.1186%2Fs12891-020-03306-1American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Carpal tunnel syndrome.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Scalise V, Brindisino F, Pellicciari L, Minnucci S, Bonetti F.Carpal tunnel syndrome: a national survey to monitor knowledge and operating methods.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(4):1995. doi:10.3390%2Fijerph18041995

American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Newington L, Harris EC, Walker-Bone K.Carpal tunnel syndrome and work.Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015;29(3):440-453. doi:10.1016%2Fj.berh.2015.04.026

American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Advice from a hand therapist: workstation ergonomics.

National Library of Medicine.Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. Medline Plus.

Dong Q, Li X, Yuan P, et al.Acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Neurosci. 2023;17:1097455. doi:10.3389%2Ffnins.2023.1097455

Garfinkel MS, Singhal A, Katz WA, Allan DA, Reshetar R, H. Ralph Schumacher J.Yoga-based intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized trial.JAMA. 1998;280(18):1601-1603. doi:10.1001/jama.280.18.1601

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Exercise program for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Li Y, Luo W, Wu G, Cui S, Zhang Z, Gu X.Open versus endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;21:272. Doi:10.1186%2Fs12891-020-03306-1

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Carpal tunnel syndrome.

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