musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Introduction
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms include pain and paresthesias in the median nerve distribution. Diagnosis is suggested by symptoms and signs and is confirmed by nerve conduction velocity testing. Treatments include ergonomic improvements, analgesia, splinting, and sometimes corticosteroid injection or surgery. (See also Overview and Evaluation of Hand Disorders .) Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common and most often occurs in women aged 30 to 50. Risk factors include Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or other wrist arthritis (sometimes the presenting manifestation), 