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Carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve entrapment)

Carpal tunnel syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve passes through a small tunnel in the wrist that can become inflamed and irritated, thus resulting in the numbness and tingling into the hand and fingers. The severity of the symptoms can be determined by performing a nerve conduction test .

The treatments are non-surgical, using nonsteroidal medications, wrist splints, osteopathic manipulation, and stretches

One of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is the repetitive use of the wrists or hands, such as when using a computer keyboard. Often, the repetitive nature of a job cannot be avoided; however, applying appropriate ergonomics can certainly help to reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

One of the most common complaints of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness and/or tingling in the wrists and hands, usually into the thumb and index fingers. Often there is pain which sometimes radiates into the elbow or shoulder. X-rays of the wrists are usually normal, so the diagnosis relies more on a clinical presentation.

It is also possible that the problem is comming from above. So it will be necessary to fully test and examine for neck shoulder and elbow problems.

by John Chaffey last update December 2012