What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
It is estimated that approximately 3-6% of the overall population has Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is considered a common condition. It can be a potentially painful condition that affects the nerves innervating the hand.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- pain in the hands
- numbness or tingling
- reduced grip strength.
Causes and Risks
Repetitive motions such as typing are commonly blamed for CTS, however there is no strong research to support this. Carpal tunnel syndrome is generally more common in women. This may be because the carpal tunnel area is relatively smaller in women than in men. Obesity is also a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment and Prevention
To help diagnose, there are studies that can be performed.
An electromyogram is a nerve conduction study, this test measures the function and strength of your nerves.
Physical exam is also important in determining the diagnosis of CTS.
X-ray imaging is used to detect or rule out other factors missed by a physical exam, such as trauma or arthritis.