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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What Is It?
What Are the Symptoms?
What Causes It?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Resources and Suggestions
More Information About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Información
en Español
What Is It?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CAR-pull TUN-nel SIN-drome) is a condition that can cause pain,
tingling, numbness, and weakness in your fingers and thumbs. CTS results from pressure on
the median nerve in your wrist.
What Are the Symptoms?
May include any of the following:
- Tingling, numbness, weakness, pain in your hand, except for the little finger.
- Shooting pain from your hand up your arm to shoulder.
- A swollen feeling in your fingers.
You may also notice:
- Symptoms are worse at night and early in the morning.
- Hands feel stiff in the morning.
- You have trouble grasping objects.
What Causes It?
- In many people the cause is unknown.
- Injuries, such as a wrist or forearm fracture.
- Arthritis-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Work activities that require repetitive wrist or finger motion.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Detailed medical history, and one or all of the following tests:
- Tinel's sign: tap the front of your wrist to check for tingling/pain.
- Phalen's sign: bend wrist down and hold then release to check for tingling/pain.
- Nerve conduction velocity study: measures nerve's ability to send electrical impulses.
- Blood test and X-rays: to check for other medical conditions.
Treatment Options
- Splints
- Medications: Injections of corticosteroids, NSAIDs
- Work changes: an occupational therapist may help find ways of modifying work activities.
- Surgery: Carpal tunnel release to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.
More
Information About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Resources and Suggestions
We Also Suggest:
- Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
- Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.
- Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
- Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
- Arthritis Today Drug Guide
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
- Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
- Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
- How to Care for Yourself
- Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.
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