Carpal tunnel syndrome is a hand and arm condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms. These symptoms are caused by a pinched nerve in your wrist. The anatomy of your wrist, certain underlying health problems, and possibly patterns of hand use can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located on the palm side of each wrist. This tunnel protects a main nerve to your hand and the nine tendons that bend your fingers. Compression of the nerve produces the numbness, tingling and, eventually hand weakness.
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel
Two types of surgery, open and endoscopic, are used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. The goal of both of these surgeries is to relieve pressure on the median nerve, by releasing the transverse carpal ligament.
- Open Surgery - One incision is made in the palm.
- Endoscopic Surgery – One or two small incisions are made in the hand. Your surgeon will insert a scope, with a small camera attached, under the carpal ligament. The surgeon can then operate while watching images on a screen.
Dr Junn explains Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
