This is a result of compression of the median nerve to the hand.

Patient typically complains of tingling or pain in all the fingers of the hand, with the exception of the little finger. There may be numbness and weakness in those fingers.

These symptoms tend to be very noticeable at night and may be alleviated by shaking of the hand.

The median nerve runs into the hand through a small tunnel called the 'Carpal Tunnel'. The roof of this tunnel is called the Flexor Retinaculum or Transverse Carpal Ligament. This consists of a tough piece of tissue.

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve in this tunnel. This may occur in the following situations:

• Diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism
• Repeated frequent hand/wrist motion.
• Work environment – working with vibrating tools may predispose to this complaint.
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Idiopathic – no obvious cause identified.

This is done through the history of the complaint. A physical examination of the hand will also be performed.

Specific investigations that may be undertaken include:

• Nerve conduction test
• Ultrasound of the wrist area.

Management options are:
1. Correction of the underlying cause of the carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. Pain relief and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)

• these provide pain relief from the condition
• however, there is no scientific evidence that these medications improve the syndrome.

3. Wrist splinting

• may provide relieve to night time symptoms
• may also temporise the condition during pregnancy.

4. Surgery

This is a minor surgery that can be performed under local (with or without sedation) or general anaesthetic. A small incision (cut on the skin) is made in the middle of the wrist. The flexor retinaculum is divided and the median nerve is freed from the compression.

The skin is then sutured closed.