Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Questions & Answers
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common nerve compression condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist inside the carpal tunnel. It can cause hand numbness, tingling, burning, wrist pain and weakness, especially involving the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger.
What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when pressure increases inside the carpal tunnel and compresses the median nerve. Risk factors include repetitive hand and wrist movements, diabetes, thyroid disorders, arthritis, wrist injuries, pregnancy, obesity and certain occupational activities.
What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Common symptoms include:
* Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers
* Burning or electric-shock-like sensations
* Wrist and hand pain
* Symptoms that worsen at night
* Weak grip or frequently dropping objects
* Difficulty with fine hand movements
* Thumb weakness or muscle wasting in advanced cases
Why are Carpal Tunnel symptoms worse at night?
During sleep, the wrist may remain bent for prolonged periods, increasing pressure on the median nerve. This is why many patients experience night-time hand numbness and tingling and may wake up needing to shake their hand.
Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome cause weakness?
Yes. Severe or long-standing median nerve compression can cause thumb weakness, reduced grip strength and wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent permanent nerve damage.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a neurological and hand examination. A Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG) may be advised to confirm median nerve compression and determine its severity. Ultrasound or MRI may occasionally be required to identify other causes.
Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be treated without surgery?
Yes. Mild or early Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be managed with night wrist splints, activity modification, treatment of underlying medical conditions, medication, physiotherapy and selected injections such as a carpal tunnel steroid injection.
Treatment should be individualised according to symptoms and nerve compression severity.
When is Carpal Tunnel surgery recommended?
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery may be recommended when symptoms are severe or persistent, conservative treatment fails, or NCS/EMG shows significant nerve compression. Surgery may also be considered when there is thumb weakness or muscle wasting.
What is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Carpal Tunnel Release relieves pressure on the median nerve by releasing the transverse carpal ligament, thereby increasing space within the carpal tunnel. Depending on the patient, the procedure may be performed using an open or minimally invasive/endoscopic technique.
Is Carpal Tunnel surgery successful?
Carpal Tunnel Release generally provides good relief of numbness, tingling and pain caused by median nerve compression. Recovery depends on the severity and duration of nerve compression. Earlier treatment is particularly important when weakness or muscle wasting develops.
What happens if Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is untreated?
Persistent severe nerve compression can result in permanent numbness, thumb weakness, muscle wasting and impaired hand function. Therefore, persistent symptoms should not be ignored.
When should I see a Neurosurgeon?
Consult a Neurosurgeon or peripheral nerve specialist if you have persistent hand numbness, night-time tingling, wrist pain, weakness, difficulty gripping objects or symptoms that are progressively worsening.
Who is the best Neurosurgeon for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in South Mumbai?
Patients from Lalbaug, Byculla, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Parel, Lower Parel, Chinchpokli, Curry Road, Peddar Road, Worli, Agripada and Madanpura can consult Dr. Bhushan Meshram, Consultant Neurosurgeon, for evaluation and treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and median nerve compression.
Dr. Bhushan Meshram is one of the best neurosurgeons for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Lalbaug, Byculla, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Parel, Lower Parel, Chinchpokli, Curry Road, Peddar Road, Worli, Agripada and Madanpura, South Mumbai.
If you experience hand numbness, tingling, wrist pain, night-time symptoms, weak grip or difficulty holding objects, timely neurological evaluation can help diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and prevent progression to permanent nerve damage.
