Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Brief Version

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KEY POINTS

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful problem of the wrist, hand, and fingers.
• You may need to rest your hands more, wear a wrist splint, or do wrist exercises. Your provider may give you medicine. You may need surgery.

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What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful problem of the wrist, hand, and fingers. It is very common.

What is the cause?

The pain is caused by pressure on a nerve inside your wrist.

People who use their hands and wrists in the same way a lot of the time can get this problem. For example, carpenters and typists often have this problem.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by a wrist injury or problems like diabetes or arthritis. Some women have it during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Pain in your hand or wrist. It may hurt the most when you use your hand. You may have more pain at night.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands and wrists
• Weak thumb
• Hands that are more sensitive to cold
• Dropping things more often

How is it treated?

Your healthcare provider may tell you to:

• Rest your hands more often.
• Change the way you use your hands.
• Wear a wrist splint.
• Do wrist exercises.

Your provider may also give you medicine to help the swelling and pain. Sometimes you may need surgery.

If you have a disease that is causing the problem, like arthritis, treating the disease may help your symptoms.

How can I take care of myself?

Do what your healthcare provider says. You can also:

• Put your arm up on pillows so that it is above the level of your heart when you sit or lie down.
• Use different tools or use your other hand.
• Try not to use your hand too much.
• Try not to bend your wrists.

How can I help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?

• Make sure that your hands and wrist are comfortable when you work.
• Take regular breaks.
• Don’t rest your wrists on hard surfaces for a long time.