Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

CTS can be a very annoying condition and is often seen in the working population, especially in people using computers or keyboards. That means all of you using the internet, too. The problem is really quite simple. The canal in the wrist that houses several tendons and the nerve going to your fingers is too tight. There is frequently a delay in making a diagnosis as the presenting history and physical examination can be quite variable.

Although classic carpal tunnel syndrome patients complain of numbness and weakness in their hand(s) with night pain, others present with a myriad of complaints, such as forearm discomfort or shooting pains up the arm, swelling, peculiar hand symptoms, temperature sensitivities and finger soreness.



Diagnosis can be equally frustrating for physicians as there are atypical presentations of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, there are a few classic findings on physical examination which make the practitioner highly suspicious. I avoid ordering painful needle nerve conduction studies but more recent skin biosensors appear reliable.

X-rays are not helpful unless there is a reason to believe a bony spur is impinging on the nerve in the carpal canal.

Unfortunately, CTS usually worsens over time in most patients, except those who have temporary swelling in their tissues, such as pregnant women.

At EFSC, we call Carpal Tunnel, Carpal Flat due to the fact that the bones in the wrist flatten and no longer make a tunnel and decrease the space for the Median Nerve to go through. We have a treatment to decrease Carpal Tunnel Syndrome without drugs or surgery to restore the carpal tunnel and take pressure off of the Median Nerve ?