Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the forearm becomes compressed or irritated, as it crosses the wrist. The median nerve is one of the three main nerves in the arm, and travels from the neck down into the hand, and can be constricted in several places along the way. The most common location is in the wrist, where the nerve passes through a “trough” of wrist bones on the front of the wrist, as it enters the hand. This area in known as the “carpal tunnel”, and at this location the nerve is constrained by a thick sheet of fibrous soft tissue called the transverse carpal ligament, which spans the “trough” and additionally limits the space available in the area. Several tendons also pass through this tight environment and limit the amount of space. In activities or occupations that require an increased amount of dexterity or hand and finger motion, inflammation and swelling can build up in the carpal tunnel and cause increased pressure and irritation of the median nerve. This can cause damage to nerves cells, which is perceived as numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the parts of the hand supplied by the median nerve. Symptoms are often worse in the morning or at night when the individual spends some hours sleeping with their hand bent under their pillow, or tucked in next to the body, a position which closes off the carpal tunnel and adds to the pressure in the local environment. In addition, activities and occupations that require repetitive wrist motion, like mechanics, painters and office workers, can predispose to the development or worsening of the condition.
At Oceana Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Dr. Aboka brings added expertise in minimally invasive treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, facilitating your return to pain-free function. This procedure is an outpatient/same-day surgery, and is done through a ½ inch incision, leading to less pain and scarring and quicker recovery and return to normal function.