Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects your wrists and hands. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passageway in your wrist called the carpal tunnel (formed by bones and ligaments). 

When the median nerve is compressed or squeezed by the structures in the carpal tunnel, it can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes of narrowed or inflamed carpal tunnel include: 

• Fractures: fractures of the wrist can cause the carpal tunnel to become irritated and inflamed, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Medical conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, fluid retention, etc, have been linked to carpal tunnel syndrome. 
• Arthritis: the main characteristic of arthritis is joint inflammation. This inflammation can cause narrowing and inflammation of the carpal tunnel, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Numbness, pain, or tingling in your hand, wrist and/or fingers (especially your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers)
• Pins-and-needles sensation in your hand(s)
• Difficulty grasping objects
• Dropping things frequently
• Discomfort or pain in your forearm or upper arm
• Feeling of swelling or a sensation that your fingers are swollen despite looking normal
• Worsening symptoms at night 
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks 

Additionally, you may feel a burning or pins-and-needles sensation, accompanied by weakness or difficulty grasping objects.

Individuals with the following factors are at a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome: 

• Gender: women are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men.
• Age: the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome increases as you age.
• Repetitive motion: individuals who spend a lot of time on the computer and performing repetitive hand or wrist motions are at a high risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Medical conditions: individuals with diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome.  

You can reduce your risks of developing carpal tunnel syndrome by taking regular breaks and practising proper ergonomics.

• Physical examination: to check for signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, you will be required to perform specific hand and wrist movements to see if they exacerbate your symptoms. This is known as the wrist-flexion test or Phalen’s manoeuvre/test. Your hand strength and sensation will also be tested.
• Electromyogram (EGM): an EMG is often conducted and would be necessary if an incidence of impinged nerves is suspected.
• X-ray: an x-ray would be ordered to rule out an incidence of fracture or if your orthopaedist suspects presentation of arthritis or osteoarthritis.
• Nerve conduction test: conducted to investigate the receptivity of nerve signals and to identify if any alteration of sensation has occurred.

• Rest and immobilisation: rest your wrists and avoid activities that may worsen symptoms.
• Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and painkillers may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Physiotherapy: physiotherapy involves the use of gentle but therapeutic exercises to help rehabilitate your wrist. 
• Surgery: for severe cases, surgery also known as a carpal tunnel release may be required to relieve pressure and reduce symptoms