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Arthritis: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is the passageway in the wrist and is made up of the arching carpal bones (eight bones in the wrist) and the ligament connecting the pillars of the arch (the transverse carpal ligament). The median nerve and the tendons that connect the fingers to the muscles of the forearm pass through the tightly spaced tunnel.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes pinched due to swelling of the nerve or tendons or both. The median nerve provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb, index, middle fingers, as well as the inside half of the ring finger and muscle power to the thumb. When this nerve becomes pinched, numbness, tingling and sometimes pain of the affected fingers and hand may occur and radiate into the forearm.
While there are many possible causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, the vast majority of people with the condition have no known cause.
However, we do know that excessive repetitive movements of the arms, wrists or hands can aggravate the carpal tunnel bringing out the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Untreated, this can become chronic, but when detected early, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated and recovery is possible in a few months. Severe carpal tunnel syndrome can also be treated, but recovery may take up to a year or longer and may not be complete.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Usually, people with carpal tunnel syndrome first notice that their fingers "fall asleep" and become numb at night. They often wake up with numbness and tingling in their hands. The feeling of burning pain and numbness may generally run up the center of the person's forearm, sometimes as far as the shoulder. As carpal tunnel syndrome becomes more severe, symptoms are noticed during the day.
What Happens in Severe Cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
When chronic irritation occurs around the median nerve, it becomes constricted and is continually pushed against the ligament above it. When the nerve is continually constricted, it can become compressed to the point that it begins to deteriorate. This results in a slowing of nerve impulses, which may cause a loss of feeling in the fingers and a loss of strength and coordination at the base of the thumb. If the condition is not treated, it could result in permanent deterioration of muscle tissue.
Do Certain Medical Conditions Make People More Likely to Develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
People with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or other metabolic conditions like thyroid disease may be more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions affect the nerves directly, making them more vulnerable to compression.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
