Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem  affecting the hand.

The Median Nerve

The sensation (feeling) and muscle function of the hand is controlled by three important nerves. The Median Nerve is one of these  nerves and is responsible for the feeling over part of the palm and fingers (the thumb, index finger, long finger, and half of the ring finger). The nerve also supplies a branch to the muscles of the thumb, the thenar muscles.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve does not work properly  because there is pressure on the nerve as it runs into the wrist through a tunnel called the carpal tunnel. 

Diagnosis.

Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination.  Your description of the symptoms and the physical examination are the most important parts in the diagnosis. Commonly, patients will complain  of waking in the middle of the night with pain and a feeling that the hand is "dead", "tingly" or "asleep".  It is important to know exactly which fingers or part of the hand is affected. Other complaints include weakness of grip, fumbling and handling of fine objects.

If there is doubt about the diagnosis,  electrical studies of the nerves in the wrist may be requested. These are called Nerve Conduction Studies. This test measures how fast nerve impulses are conducted through the nerve

Home | About Your Condition

The information on these pages is presented as a rough guide to help you understand your condition better. The information is in no way intended to be a comprehensive coverage of the subject. As all patients and their conditions are different, the treatment may vary from time to time. All patients are encouraged to take steps to ensure that they are as well educated about their conditions as possible. Other sources of information inc

Philip Allen Orthopaedic
P PO Box 1089, Coolangatta, QLD, 4225, Australia
T +61 7 55980977  F +61 7 55980016 E allen@bonedoctor.com.au
www.bonedoctor.com.au