Carpal-Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal-tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, the most common entrapment neuropathy. Risk factors: repetitive wrist use, pregnancy, diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical: numbness/tingling in the thumb-index-middle and radial half of ring finger, worse at night, with thenar weakness/atrophy in advanced cases. Treatment: wrist splinting, activity modification, steroid injection; carpal-tunnel release surgery for severe/refractory cases.

Common Symptoms

Thumb-index-middle numbness/tingling; worse at night; thenar weakness/atrophy; positive Tinel/Phalen

Causes and Pathogenesis

Elevated pressure in the carpal tunnel compresses the median nerve, causing sensory/motor deficit.

Treatment

Wrist splint; activity modification; steroid injection; carpal-tunnel release surgery if severe

Preventive Measures

Ergonomics; wrist neutral position; treat predisposing disease.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Orthopedic Surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.