Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), commonly known as mouse hand, is a common issue of wrist nerve compression that affects hand sensation and strength. The main cause is the median nerve being compressed inside the wrist tunnel. This tunnel is made up of bones and ligaments, with a narrow space containing the nerve and tendons. The median nerve controls the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger; when tunnel pressure rises, it squeezes the nerve.

Increased pressure blocks blood flow, causing nerve oxygen deprivation and swelling, which triggers inflammation. Over time, the nerve's outer protective layer gets damaged, slowing conduction, and even leading to nerve fiber degeneration, resulting in hand pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.

Causes

• Long-term repetitive wrist flexion and finger gripping actions (typing, mouse use, assembly line work)

• Pregnancy, diabetes, hypothyroidism, menopause

• Swelling after wrist trauma or fracture

• Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms

• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger

• Particularly noticeable at night or in the morning, often requiring shaking the hand for relief

• Weak grip, tendency to drop objects

• In severe cases, thenar muscle atrophy and decreased thumb opposition function

Treatment

• Interferential current therapy: Reduces nerve inflammation and tissue edema

• Ultrasound: Improves local circulation

• Shockwave therapy: Quickly relaxes trigger points and reduces compression

• Nighttime wrist splint: Maintains neutral wrist position and reduces pressure

• Exercise therapy: Median nerve gliding exercises + wrist stretching

• Acupuncture: Relieves pain and numbness

• Local steroid injection (if necessary)）

Potential consequences of not treating early

• Prolonged nerve ischemia → Permanent loss of sensation

• Thenar muscle atrophy and severe loss of thumb function

• Requires surgical release of the transverse carpal ligament for improvement

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The above content is for reference only. Readers should consult relevant medical personnel, as timely and effective treatment can only be achieved through detailed examination and diagnosis.

@DOCTORFIX CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC