Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compression of the median nerve as it runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. The carpal tunnel already contains ligaments, other nerves and tendons. It's a pretty crowded joint at the best of times. If anything causes the joint to become more crowded, such as minor injury, then scar tissue can build up. This only makes things more crowded again, exacerbating the problem. For this reason CTS is usually considered a progressive condition without treatment.
CTS is usually noticed when the patient experiences numb fingers, especially the little and ring fingers, often in the middle of the night. The numbness is persistant and painful. More advanced cases feature day-time pain, as well.
CTS is often an overuse injury, experienced most by computer keyboard uses and musicians. My uncle got it after painting his house, though (lots of wrist movement in an old man).
The standard (and some would say only effective) treatment is surgery. However, exercises, massage and certain herbal and vitamin supplements (notably B6) may also help alleviate symptoms.
CTS is usually noticed when the patient experiences numb fingers, especially the little and ring fingers, often in the middle of the night. The numbness is persistant and painful. More advanced cases feature day-time pain, as well.
CTS is often an overuse injury, experienced most by computer keyboard uses and musicians. My uncle got it after painting his house, though (lots of wrist movement in an old man).
The standard (and some would say only effective) treatment is surgery. However, exercises, massage and certain herbal and vitamin supplements (notably B6) may also help alleviate symptoms.
