CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a disorder characterized by pain, numbness, weakness and tingling in hand especially affecting the thumb, index finger and middle finger. The wrist consists of fibrous tissue bands which act as support for the bones and joints. The space between the wrist bones and tissue band is known as carpal tunnel. The Median nerve travels through this tunnel and receives sensation from the thumb, middle fingers and index fingers. Swelling or pressure on the tissue band can squeeze or irritate the nerve which cause a set of symptoms collectively known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Worsening of the condition can even cause weakness of the hand muscles leading to difficulty in grasping objects. In case this condition is untreated, it could result in damage to the nerve and significant loss of the function of the hand.

CAUSES

Tendon inflammation caused due to continuous hand work like typing, sewing, driving or playing some musical instrument could exert pressure on median nerve thus causing this disease. Certain diseases like leukemia can lead to deposition of various abnormal substances around the tunnel adding to the possibilities of the disease. Other common factors which can contribute in the development of the condition involve-

• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Pregnancy or menopause
• Broken wrist
• Infection
• Alcoholism
• Kidney or cardiac failure