Overview
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common and often painful condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand through a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a rigid passageway of ligament and bone at the hand’s base. When tissues surrounding the flexor tendons become inflamed or swell, the tunnel narrows and compresses the median nerve. Over time, this can lead to nerve damage and worsening symptoms.
Who’s at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Several factors increase vulnerability:
- Occupation and Repetitive Hand Use: Jobs involving repetitive wrist movements, assembly line work, typing, data entry, or vibrating tools, strain tendons and contribute to compression.
- Gender: Women develop the condition more frequently than men, possibly due to naturally smaller carpal tunnels.
- Age: Adults over 40 face higher risk, though younger individuals with repetitive strain or underlying conditions can also be affected.
- Genetics: Family history suggests a predisposition to smaller tunnels or inflammation susceptibility.
When to Consider Surgery
Conservative treatments like splinting, rest, activity modification, and corticosteroid injections are typically tried first. However, surgical intervention becomes necessary when symptoms persist, worsen, or involve muscle weakness or nerve damage.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery uses minimally invasive techniques offering smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and less scarring risk.
