People who have smaller carpal tunnels may be more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome. A wrist fracture or dislocation, or arthritis that deforms the small bones in the wrist, can alter the space within the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve. Although they may not directly cause carpal tunnel syndrome, they may increase the risk of irritation or damage to the median nerve. Risk factorsĪ number of factors have been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. It may be that a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of the condition. Many times, there is no single cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. A wrist fracture can narrow the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerve, as can the swelling and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of the thumb (motor function).Īnything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. It provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, except the little finger. The median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. Permanent nerve and muscle damage can occur without treatment.Ĭarpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. See your health care provider if you have signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that interfere with your normal activities and sleep patterns. This may be due to the numbness in the hand or weakness of the thumb's pinching muscles, which are also controlled by the median nerve. You may experience weakness in the hand and drop objects.
The numb feeling may become constant over time. Many people "shake out" their hands to try to relieve their symptoms. These symptoms often occur while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper, or may wake you from sleep. The sensation may travel from the wrist up the arm.
You might feel a sensation like an electric shock in these fingers. Usually the thumb and index, middle or ring fingers are affected, but not the little finger. You may notice tingling and numbness in the fingers or hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and include:
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