Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Question 1

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 1

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve under the flexor retinaculum of the wrist. It
manifests as numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand.

Question 2

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 2

Aetiologies of carpal Tunnel Syndrome
* Anatomical variations - some people have more confined risks
* Female > male
* Neuropathies -
* Hormonal - underactive thyroid can lead to fluid build up lead to pressure
* Inflammatory conditions eg RA
* Medications can contibute which lead to fluid retention - nerve compression
* Obesity - rapid weight gain can lead to nerve compression
* RSI - repetitive strain injury

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 3

• Weakness in hand grip
• Pain
• Numbness or Pins & Needles
• Burning sensation as nerve becomes inflamed
• Swollen feeling

Question 4

What is the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 4

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neuropathy caused by compression and traction of the
median nerve.
This occurs in the anterior (front part) wrist at the level of the carpal tunnel.
The carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal bones and by the transverse carpal ligament.

Question 5

What is typical diagnotic tests and treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 5

“Electrophysiological tests:
Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
Electromyogram (EMG)
Blood test.
X-ray imaging.
Ultrasound.
MRI or CT scans

Conventional treatment of CTS
* Physical therapy (Osteopathy, Physiotherapy…)
*Bracing or splinting
* Topical applications
*Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
* Steroid injections
* Surgical interventions

Lifestyle management
*Address predisposing conditions
*Reduce fluid pressure
*Alter physical factors”