Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition of the wrist, commonly affecting women over 45 years old, where compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel causes pain, weakness and altered sensation of the wrist and hand, increasing in severity as compression increases in amount and duration.
The carpal tunnel is formed by a collection of bones at the back of the wrist and a ligament at the front. Structures like blood vessels, nerves and flexor tendons travel through the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when swelling within the carpal tunnel builds and compresses the medial nerve which passes through it. Swelling within the carpal tunnel is linked to gender, hereditary factors, pregnancy, hormone changes, repetitive wrist activities and rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include electric shock and burning pain, pins and needles, numbness, and weakness of the wrist and hand which may come and go at the beginning of the condition and remain more constant and severe as the condition worsens.
Chronic wrist pain? You need a wrist expert!
If you have constant wrist pain that simply won’t go away, don’t wait until your hands begin to tingle or go numb.
If you have a painful wrist condition, it is important to treat it quickly before it becomes a chronic condition and causes additional injury.
Dr Gupta is a qualified wrist & hand expert and available to help you with your condition. Book a consultation to see Dr Gupta online by using our booking form.