Inside our wrist, there is a small tunnel called the Carpal Tunnel, which contains several tendons and the Median Nerve, all covered by a connective tissue band known as the Transverse Carpal Ligament.
When the wrist and hand are overused, such as typing for long hours, using a mouse continuously, or repetitively gripping heavy objects, the following changes can occur:
- The tendons around the wrist become inflamed
- The space inside the tunnel becomes narrower
- The ligament and surrounding tissues become tighter
- The Median Nerve becomes compressed
As a result, symptoms such as numbness, pain, tightness, or weakness may occur, especially in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
Symptoms
- Tingling or numbness in the hand, especially when typing, using a mouse, holding a phone, or driving
- Persistent numbness that may last nearly all the time if left untreated
- Hand weakness, difficulty gripping objects precisely, or trouble performing fine motor tasks such as picking up coins, buttoning clothes, or holding a pen
- In long-standing cases, muscle wasting around the base of the thumb may occur, noticeable by a hollowed appearance
Causes
- Poor working posture, such as resting the wrist on the edge of a desk for long periods, leading to tendon inflammation
- Repetitive forceful gripping, such as in golf, tennis, or weightlifting
- Frequent vibration exposure from tools such as drills or high-powered vibrating machines
- Repeated impact on the wrist such as golf swings or boxing
Treatment and Symptom Relief
1) Physical Therapy
- Therapeutic ultrasound for inflammation, electrical stimulation, and warm compresses
- Nerve Gliding Exercises to improve the movement of the nerve within the tunnel
- Deep tissue massage to reduce muscle tension and release adhesions around the wrist
2) Lifestyle and Behavioral Modifications
- Reduce prolonged use of smartphones and computers
- Avoid resting the wrist on the edge of a desk while typing
- Avoid gripping objects too tightly unless necessary
3) Assistive Devices
- Wrist splint worn during activities or while sleeping to prevent excessive wrist bending and reduce nerve pressure
4) Medication
- Anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections in severe cases under medical supervision
5) Surgery
- Considered when symptoms do not improve after months of treatment or when there is noticeable muscle atrophy
