Relief of Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

     Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterized by numbness, pain, and weakness of the hand. The carpal tunnel is a passageway found at the palm side of the wrist. The function of the tunnel is to protect the median nerve, as well as the tendons which bend the fingers. When pressure is applied to the nerve, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may eventually develop. Symptoms may include tingling or numbness in the fingers, pain extending from the wrist up to the shoulder or down to the fingers, and weakness on the hands. As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, a constant loss of feeling in several fingers may be present. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be related to other health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorder, and menpause. Other potential causes include repetitively flexing and extending hand and wrist tendons and injury to the wrist. Women are three times as likely as men to develop this condition.

     Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve symptoms if inflammation is involved. Hydrocortisone or other steroids may be injected into the carpal tunnel. Steroids work by decreasing inflammation, which in turn, relieves pressure on the median nerve. Surgery is also an option.