Carpal tunnel syndrome
If you have :
- tingling, numbness, burning in your hand
- affecting the thumb, index, middle and ring finger (unusual for the little finger)
- mainly at night or in the morning as you wake up
- sometimes associated with pain that travel up to the forearm or shoulder
you may have carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common, especially in women in their fifties or during pregnancy, as well as strength workers who reproduce repetitive movements. An involvement of both hands is common. In most cases, there is no specific cause.
In the early stages, tingling is intermittent and sensation returns to normal. With disease progression, the altered feeling may worsen and tingling may become permanent, with numbness in the fingers, weakness or dropping objects.
A neurological examination is requested to confirm the compression area and exclude another nerve involvement.
Medical treatment includes :
- A splint at night.
- An injection of cortisone into the carpal tunnel.
- In case of severe or long-standing compression, surgery is required to reduce the pressure on the nerve. It involves opening the roof of the carpal tunnel and is performed under local anesthesia.
Night pain and tingling usually disappear within a few days. In severe cases, recovery may be incomplete (numbness, weakness). It takes about 3 months to regain the strength and to get a comfortable scar.
For more information
Carpal tunnel syndrome
If you have :
- tingling, numbness, burning in your hand
- affecting the thumb, index, middle and ring finger (unusual for the little finger)
- mainly at night or in the morning as you wake up
- sometimes associated with pain that travel up to the forearm or shoulder
you may have carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common, especially in women in their fifties or during pregnancy, as well as strength workers who reproduce repetitive movements. An involvement of both hands is common. In most cases, there is no specific cause.
In the early stages, tingling is intermittent and sensation returns to normal. With disease progression, the altered feeling may worsen and tingling may become permanent, with numbness in the fingers and weakness and dropping objects.
A neurological examination is requested to confirm the compression area and exclude another nerve involvement.
Medical treatment includes :
- A splint at night.
- An injection of cortisone into the carpal tunnel.
- In case of severe or long-standing compression, surgery is required to reduce the pressure on the nerve. It involves opening the roof of the tunnel carpal, and is performed under local anesthesia.
Night pain and tingling usually disappear within a few days. In severe cases, recovery may be incomplete (numbness, weakness). It takes about 3 months to regain the strength and to get a comfortable scar.
For more information