Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Symptoms usually start gradually, with pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In some cases no direct cause of the syndrome can be identified. Most likely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition - the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. However, the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is especially common in those performing assembly line work.
Initial treatment generally involves resting the affected hand and wrist for at least 2 weeks, avoiding activities that may
worsen symptoms, and immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, may ease pain. Cool (ice) packs and prednisone (taken by mouth) or lidocaine (injected directly into the wrist) can relieve swelling and
pressure on the median nerve and provide immediate, temporary relief.
Recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome following treatment is rare. The majority of patients recover completely. To prevent
workplace-related carpal tunnel syndrome, workers can do on-the-job conditioning, perform stretching exercises, take frequent
rest breaks, wear splints to keep wrists straight, and use correct posture and wrist position. Wearing fingerless gloves can
help keep hands warm and flexible.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research on nerve-related conditions such as
carpal tunnel syndrome in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and also supports research through grants
to major medical institutions across the country. Current studies include several randomized clinical trials to evaluate
the effectiveness of educational interventions in reducing the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome. Another clinical study
is collecting data about carpal tunnel syndrome among construction apprentices to better understand specific work factors
associated with the disorder and develop strategies to prevent its occurrence among construction and other workers. Scientists
are also investigating the use of alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, to prevent and treat this disorder.
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) P.O. Box 850 Rocklin, CA 95677-0850 ACPA@pacbell.net http://www.theacpa.org Tel: 916-632-0922 800-533-3231 Fax: 916-652-8190 |
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 31 Center Dr., Rm. 4C02 MSC 2350 Bethesda, MD 20892-2350 NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov http://www.niams.nih.gov Tel: 301-496-8190 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) |
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDCP) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1600 Clifton Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30333 inquiry@cdc.gov http://www.cdc.gov Tel: 800-311-3435 404-639-3311/404-639-3543 |
Occupational Safety & Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210 http://www.osha.gov Tel: 800-321-OSHA (-6742) |
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons/
American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons 6300 North River Road Rosemont, IL 60018 hackett@aaos.org http://www.aaos.org Tel: 847-823-7186 Fax: 847-823-8125 |
American Society for Surgery of the Hand 6300 North River Road Suite 600 Rosemont, Il 60018-4256 info@assh.org http://www.assh.org Tel: 847-384-8300 Fax: 847-384-1435 |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated April 10, 2008