Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes numbness or tingling on the palm side of the hand, affecting the thumb and the first three fingers. It occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm into the palm is compressed as it passes through the narrow channel in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. CTS occurs more often in women (5.8 percent) than in men (0.6 percent). Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that using a computer keyboard or mouse does not increase the risk of developing CTS.
For information about treatment for CTS, contact the Virginia Mason Center for Hand Surgery at (206) 341-3000.
Certain medical conditions and occupations may put individuals at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS is associated with obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy (fluid retention), diabetes, hypothyroidism and trauma.
Another risk factor is the size of the carpal tunnel itself. Women, for example, have a smaller carpal tunnel than men.
Physical factors associated with CTS include:
Occupations in which people are exposed to highly repetitive flexion and extension of the wrist, such as assembly workers, or regular use of hand-held vibratory tools, such as mechanics, have a significantly higher risk of developing CTS.
Pain during the daytime is not very common in CTS. It is usually only seen at night in advanced cases.
A medical history, physical exam and a neurologic exam with a physician or neurologist will help confirm or rule out CTS. There are several neurologic tests available to help in the diagnosis, including:
If symptoms are mild, steroid injections can be effective in treating CTS in the short term. Steroid injections may be particularly helpful for women in the third trimester of pregnancy, to provide relief through delivery (when symptoms are frequently seen). An obstetrician will determine if it is safe to have steroid injections during pregnancy.