Carpal tunnel syndrome
The carpal tunnel runs through the wrist. It serves as a passageway for nerves leading to the muscles that flex the fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve (the median nerve) passing through the carpal tunnel becomes compressed.
Usually, it is a swollen wrist that makes the tunnel narrower, creating pressure on the nerve. The swelling may be caused by an injury to the wrist, rheumatic and inflammatory joint diseases, or occur during pregnancy and other hormonal changes.
Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause sensory disturbances, reduced mobility, numbness and tingling in the fingers and hand. Symptoms often begin at night with numbness in the thumb, index finger or ring finger. Later, the numbness often becomes more frequent, including during the day. It may be difficult to grip objects, and the hand may become clumsy and weak, especially the thumb. Pain in the hand and wrist often develops somewhat later and may sometimes radiate up towards the shoulder.
Relieve pain and numbness
Carpal tunnel syndrome is relatively common and usually resolves over time. The risk of developing the condition is higher if you have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or hypothyroidism, and it more often affects the hand that is used the most. To relieve symptoms, it is beneficial to rest your hands and avoid overloading them, especially the hand you use most. A wrist support with a splint can help relieve pressure and keep the wrists straight so that the nerve is not compressed. The wrist support can be used only at night or throughout the day as needed. The splint in the support plays an important role in stabilising the wrist and keeping the hand in a neutral position.
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
For milder symptoms, a wrist support with a splint can help keep the wrist in a neutral position and relieve pressure on the median nerve. If symptoms persist or worsen, a doctor can assess whether other treatment is needed. In more severe cases, surgery may be considered to reduce pressure on the nerve.
When should you seek medical advice?
Contact a healthcare professional if numbness does not go away, sensation worsens or your hand becomes weaker. It is important to have the symptoms assessed, as prolonged pressure on the median nerve can affect sensation and muscle function in the hand.