Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. While repetitive wrist motions were originally thought to be the primary cause, any condition that puts pressure on the median nerve can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Diagnosis involves tests like Phalen's maneuver and electromyography, while treatment ranges from wrist splints and injections to surgery.

2.  Passageway in the wrist that connects
the hand to the arm
 Major nerve passes through the
passageway known as the median
nerve
 The median nerve is a nerve that runs the
entire length of the human arm into the
hand

3.  When the median nerve is compressed
in the carpal tunnel this is known as
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

4.  Use to be thought that repetitive
movements caused carpal tunnel
syndrome
› I.e. Work related
 Now it is understood that any condition
that puts pressure on the median nerve
can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

5.  Pain
 Numbness
 Tingling in the shoulders

6.  Phalen’s Manoeuvre :
› flex wrist as far as possible and hold this
position. Patient with Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome will feeling a burning or tingling
sensation
 Two other tests are Durkan Test and
Tinel’s sign
 Also can be tested electromyography

7.  Canada does not have reliable statistics
but it is estimated that 10% of Canadians
have a life time risk of developing Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome

8.  Stretching
 Immobilizing braces
 Corticosteroid Injections
 O.C.T. Medications: Aspirin Ibuprofen

9.  Surgery
 Ultrasound Therapy
 Physiotherapy and Occupational
Therapy

10.  With a change of hand use, pattern or
posture most people can recover from
pain and numbness
 Surgery can result in permanent nerve
damage but most people have minimal
nerve damage

11.  http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseas
es/carpal.html
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunn
el_syndrome
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Median_ner
ve