Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes and Treatment

Pain in the wrist, weakness in the arms, tingling, numbness, and more are all common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Your body has a complex nervous system that weaves throughout bone and connective tissue.

The median nerve is a central nerve that connects the nerves of your hand and your arm. This nerve passes under connective tissue in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.

However, whenever the carpal tunnel connective tissue becomes irritated or inflamed, it can compress the median nerve. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are caused by the median nerve being compressed or “pinched.”

Let’s take a closer look at what causes the carpal tunnel to become irritated and develop into carpal tunnel syndrome.

Injury

An injury to the hand or the wrist is a common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Swelling, inflammation, and irritation to the surrounding tissue are common after an injury. This can cause carpal tunnel syndrome in the short term, and improper injury care can lead to recurring carpal tunnel syndrome. A broken or sprained wrist will naturally swell from the injury and may cause carpal tunnel syndrome. However, continued use of the wrist after injury could lead to chronic carpal tunnel.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term for joint disease or joint pain. Different kinds of arthritis can cause carpal tunnel syndrome to occur. Osteoarthritis could occur and cause bone spurs after an injury, or Rheumatoid arthritis could cause the body’s autoimmune system to attack the connective tissue in the carpal tunnel. Different forms of arthritis can affect the connective tissue in the carpal tunnel and cause chronic inflammation. This chronic inflammation will compress the median nerve and lead to recurring carpal tunnel syndrome.

Repetitive Actions

One of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive wrist motions. This could be from typing, writing, exercising, or anything else that has your wrist repeat a motion for a long period of time. The repetition can cause irritation to your connective tissue and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Harrison, NY

Thankfully, most carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms will go away on their own as irritation and inflammation settle. However, chronic carpal tunnel syndrome could require treatment and lifestyle changes.

Our team at Specialty Orthopaedics provides comprehensive carpal tunnel syndrome care to get you back to your normal life. Specialty Orthopaedics is an evidence-based orthopaedic practice that strives to educate and treat patients with the latest surgical options.

If you’re experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Specialty Orthopaedics at 914-686-0111 today, or request an appointment on our website.