1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Slideshow
2. Take the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Quiz!
3. View Images of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Medical Author:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
• What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
• What conditions and diseases cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
• What are carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms?
• How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome? Can carpal tunnel syndrome be prevented?
• What are complications of carpal tunnel syndrome?
• What is the prognosis for carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome?
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome facts
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Slideshow
• Take the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Quiz!
• View Images of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome FAQs
• Patient Comments: Carpal or Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - Experience
• Patient Comments: Carpal or Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - Symptoms and Signs
• Patient Comments: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Treatment
• Find a local Rheumatologist in your town
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Index

Complications of carpal tunnel syndrome are uncommon but include atrophy and weakness of the muscles at the base of the thumb in the palm of the hand. This can be a permanent complication if not corrected early enough. This can lead to lack of dexterity of the affected fingers.

The outlook is generally excellent as carpal tunnel syndrome usually responds to the conservative measures reviewed above. Sometimes surgical operation is necessary and residual weakness can occur.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by irritation of the median nerve at the wrist.
• Any condition that exerts pressure on the median nerve can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness and tingling of the hand.
• Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected based on symptoms, supported by physical examination signs, and confirmed by nerve conduction testing.
• Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause.

REFERENCES:

Koopman, William, et al., eds. Clinical Primer of Rheumatology. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003.

Ruddy, Shaun, et al., eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, 6th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2001.