University of Minnesota Health physicians at our Orthopedic Clinic are dedicated to delivering excellent care, innovative research and meaningful educational programs for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. We specialize in general orthopedics, as well as surgery, reconstruction and therapy.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common disorder that affects the wrist and hand. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you'll notice numbness and tingling in your hand, wrist and arm. Other symptoms might include shooting pains in your hand and forearm and possibly a weakened grip.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a pinched median nerve. This nerve passes through a tunnel in your wrist, formed by bones and ligaments, known as the "carpal tunnel." A narrowing of this tunnel, or swelling of tissues inside the tunnel, puts pressure on the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in people who often need to bend their wrists at work and those who frequently use power tools that cause strong vibrations. In some cases, an inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.
This condition can make it difficult to perform even simple tasks, and the related pain can interrupt sleep. But carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated, and your symptoms can be relieved.
Patrick Morgan, MD with Patient