Most experts believe that the condition is made worse by prolonged wrist positioning (either flexion or extension), trauma (such as fractures of the wrist or hematoma formation in the carpal tunnel), osteoarthritis, forms of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammation of tendons (tendonitis) in the wrist. The predisposing factors that cause median nerve compression and carpal tunnel syndrome are unknown. In addition, it is not uncommon for many to experience symptoms bilaterally (on both sides of the body).

Night symptoms of numbness and/or pain are common in those suffering from this condition. When the median nerve is compressed, it results in increased sensitivity, tingling, pain, weakness, or numbness in the fingers, hand, and wrist the pinky finger remains largely unaffected. This nerve supplies sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger (excluding the pinky), while providing innervation of muscles that control thumb motion.

The carpal tunnel is a space in the wrist bound on three sides by bone and covered with a ligament through which nine tendons and one nerve (the median nerve) travel to the fingers. What is carpal tunnel syndrome?Ĭarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compression neuropathy (disease of the nervous system) caused by an increase in pressure on the median nerve. We recently sat down with Aaron Daluiski, MD, Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery, to gather his views and clarify the recent misunderstandings about carpal tunnel syndrome. In order to dispel the myths and rumors attached to the causes, diagnoses, and potential treatment options of the condition, it’s important to understand exactly what it is. Although there has not been a direct causative link between repetitive use and carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist position (flexion or extension) can increase pressure on the median nerve and either cause symptoms or make them worse. The use of computer keyboards, cell phones, PDA’s, gaming controls, and other handheld devices in our present “Information Age” has been widely claimed in the media to lead to a variety of repetitive stress injuries, including De Quervain’s Syndrome, so-called “Techno Thumb,” and, particularly, carpal tunnel syndrome.ĭespite these claims, however, studies performed on this cause-and-effect relationship in recent years have produced no conclusive evidence attributing carpal tunnel syndrome to overuse or incorrect usage of these devices. Carpal tunnel syndrome develops over many years by a gradual reduction in the space within the carpal tunnel for the median nerve. What are the chances of pain alleviation and recovery after surgery?.

Pain after emg carpal tunnel