The median nerve travels from the hand to the forearm, passing through a thin passage called the carpal tunnel. Too much pressure on this nerve compresses it, causing hand movement and sensation issues. For some, reducing stress on the area reduces symptoms, while others require surgery to correct the damage.
Even in the early stages, treatment is required to avoid complications. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to reduce nerve pressure. Occupational therapy may also be necessary to ensure you can continue your usual daily activities. Professional therapists also discuss what to do and how to prevent worsening symptoms and further damage to the area.
Signs of Carpal Tunnel
When the median nerve is squeezed, it causes varying symptoms. They often start gradually and worsen over time, and you may not experience them all.
The most common sign of carpal tunnel is numbness in the thumb and fingers. Some people also notice tingling, burning, pain, or shock-like sensations. Though they start in the hand, these symptoms may travel up the arm. These issues initially occur at night and are strong enough to wake you up.
Weakness also occurs in those with this condition. Your muscles have difficulty gripping items or with fine motor movements. You may have trouble picking things up, buttoning clothing, or holding onto items. Dropping things is also common, possibly related to numbness or loss of awareness of your hand location.
Unusual signs of carpal tunnel syndrome may include a sudden, sharp pain that shoots up the arm, feelings of clumsiness or dropping objects frequently, or a burning sensation in the hand or fingers. Some people experience “phantom” itching in the palm, or unusual tingling and numbness that occurs not just at night but during everyday tasks like driving or holding a phone. Cold sensitivity in the fingers or wrist, as well as weakness in grip strength, can also be subtle indicators of carpal tunnel.
Possible causes of complications
Several issues could be related to worsening the damage caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Trauma to the area from an injury could tighten the space within the tunnel. Inflammation from arthritis, gout, or other medical issues could also put excess pressure on the nerve. Chronic nerve-related conditions, including diabetes or gout, could increase swelling, pressing on the median.
Fluid retention and obesity put extra pressure on your hands and wrists, worsening the symptoms. Women have smaller bone structures, making them more prone to the condition. Repetitive movements during work, hobbies, or activities also increase the chances of contracting or worsening the damage.
Treatment is meant to help symptoms but may cause further complications in those with carpal tunnel. Surgery to repair the damage could result in bleeding, infection, or scarring. Injury to the median nerve or the surrounding nerves and blood vessels may also occur, requiring further surgery or treatment.
Though rare, some people form a nerve lesion, called a neuroma, after surgery. Neuromas often cause severe pain and increased pressure on the median nerve, requiring further treatment or surgery.
Can it go away on its own?
In the early stages, carpal tunnel syndrome could heal without aid. Of course, it requires rest and damage prevention, including avoiding repetitive movements.
It is more likely that you’ll require treatment, so if you believe you have the condition, speak to your doctor immediately. Medical experts will offer safe treatments, including splints to reduce median nerve pressure, anti-inflammatories, and pain relievers.
Physical therapy safely stretches the wrist to improve range of motion and increase muscle strength. Yoga offers similar benefits for improved joint movement and grip strength. Hand therapy may be an option for symptom relief. Using ergonomic items, including keyboards, armrests, and other devices could reduce strain on your hands and wrists.
Carpal tunnel syndrome typically does not go away on its own, especially if the underlying causes, such as repetitive strain, poor ergonomics, or medical conditions like diabetes, are not addressed. In some mild cases, symptoms may improve with rest, lifestyle changes, or short-term treatments like wrist splints, but persistent or worsening symptoms often require medical intervention, such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgery, to prevent permanent nerve damage. Early treatment is crucial to preventing the condition from progressing.
Resources:
- OrthoInfo, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-carpal-tunnel-syndrome-be-treated-without-surgery - Mayo Clinic, Carpal tunnel syndrome
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603 - Johns Hopkins Medicine, Carpal Tunnel Release
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/carpal-tunnel-release - NCBI, Sept. 20, 2014, In-continuity neuroma of the median nerve after surgical release for carpal tunnel syndrome: case report
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4353826/ - Cleveland Clinic, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4005-carpal-tunnel-syndrome - Mayo clinic Health System, Nov. 9, 2021, Can carpal tunnel syndrome be treated without surgery?
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-carpal-tunnel-syndrome-be-treated-without-surgery
This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.
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