Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Physiopedia

The Nugget

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) results from compression of the median nerve due to increased pressure within the carpal tunnel, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Effective treatment often involves a combination of conservative management and, in severe cases, surgical intervention.

Make it stick

🖐️ CTS is primarily caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to a range of symptoms including pain and weakness.
📊 The lifetime incidence of CTS ranges from 10-15%, particularly affecting individuals between ages 36-60.
🔍 Diagnostic tools like ultrasound and electromyography are crucial for accurate CTS diagnosis.
💡 Treatment options vary but often include ergonomic modifications, splinting, and possibly surgery if conservative measures fail.

Definition: CTS is an entrapment neuropathy characterized by median nerve compression within the carpal tunnel.
Symptoms: Early signs include pain, numbness, tingling, and clumsiness primarily affecting the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.
Progression: Advanced symptoms may involve weakness and atrophy of the thenar eminence muscle in the hand.

Etiology: Major contributors include repetitive wrist motion, genetic predisposition, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and hypothyroidism.
Epidemiology: CTS affects 2.7-5.8% of adults with a notably higher prevalence in women (2-5 times more than men).

Diagnostic Procedures: Key methods include ultrasound, MRI, and nerve conduction studies to confirm CTS and rule out other conditions.
Medical Management: Conservative approaches include ergonomic adjustments, splinting, corticosteroids, and surgery as a last resort, especially for persistent cases.
Physical Therapy: Patients with mild to moderate symptoms may benefit from guided physical therapy focused on ergonomic modifications and manual therapy techniques.

“Carpal tunnel syndrome accounts for 90% of all neuropathies.”
“Best management for CTS has yet to be determined; treatment choices must integrate clinical, functional, and anatomical data.”
“The final symptoms include weakness and atrophy of thenar muscles, resulting in clumsiness.”
“Prolonged symptoms may lead to irreversible changes in nerve structure.”
“Patients should be informed about the lack of high-quality evidence for various therapeutic modalities.”

This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.