Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pressure on the median nerve)

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

The median nerve is one of the nerves which supplies the hand. It passes through the wrist in a narrow channel called the carpal tunnel along with the flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor pollicis longus tendons. Inflammation of the muscles, tendons or a fracture of the wrist can reduce the space in the carpel tunnel and so cause pressure on the nerve.

Symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome

• A dull ache in the wrist and forearm with pain radiating in to the fingers.
• A burning wrist pain with numbness or loss of feeling in the thumb, index finger and middle finger which the median nerve supplies.
• Pain which is worse at night.
• Positive result for Tinels sign (symptoms reproduced when tapping the volar aspect of the wrist (inside).

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

What can the athlete do about it?

• Rest and wear a heat retainer or wrist support with a splint to prevent movement.
• See a doctor or physiotherapist.

What can a doctor do?

• Rule out diabetes mellitus as a cause.
• Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. ibuprofen). Mild cases are often treated by splinting with a wrist splint or carpel tunnel support and anti-inflammatory medication.
• Prescribe diuretic tablets (water tablets).
• Operate if the problem is persistent.

Carpel Tunnel Products

• A wrist splint or carpel tunnel support will help immobilise the wrist and allow it to rest.

See also:

• Ibuprofen - explained
  
  
• Injury forum - ask our experts!
  
  
• Find a clinic

Similar / related injuries:

• De Quervains tenosynovitis
  
  
• Inflammation of the tendons at the wrist