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A:
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common cause
of hand numbness. The carpal tunnel is at the palm
side of the wrist. It contains a nerve which gives sensation
to the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger.
Typically people with CTS will have numbness in some
or all of these fingers, but they may also have pain, or,
in severe cases, hand weakness.
CTS is commonly thought of as a repetitive use injury—
a lot of wrist flexion and extension—but other causes
could include cysts in the tunnel, acute injury, infection
and pregnancy.
Diagnosis may be based on a clinical exam, but
other testing, like nerve conduction studies, may be
necessary.
Treatment of CTS can be as simple as activity modifi-
cation or wearing a splint. Surgical treatment involves
cutting the dense ligament over the tunnel, which en-
larges the tunnel. This is an outpatient operation which
can be done with a traditional incision in the palm of
the hand, or an endoscopic approach where the skin
incision may be only one half-inch and is in the wrist
crease. Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery may lead to
less pain, an earlier return of
strength and the ability to have
surgery on both hands or time
between operating on the right
and left side.
Many people will experi-
ence almost immediate relief
of their numbness after sur-
gery, but some people may
take months before they have
fully improved, especially if
their carpal tunnel syndrome
is severe or has been present
for a long time.
Patrick Mullen, M.D.
Kootenai Hand and
Reconstructive Surgery
208-664-9784
Q:
My hands are numb. Do I have
carpal tunnel syndrome?
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