Symptoms
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Tingling in the fingers
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Burning sensation in hand or wrist
- Hand weakness
Causes
Carpal tunnel syndrome has no exact cause, although several circumstances increase the likelihood of acquiring it. Factors that can raise the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Repetitive hand and wrist motions
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Hormonal imbalance
- Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, obesity, and gout
Treatments
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated using both conservative as well as surgical treatment methods. Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Using a splint to immobilize the hand and wrist
- Using ice packs to reduce swelling
- Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Steroid injections
- Carpal tunnel release surgery
- Physical therapy
