What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? What Are the Symptoms?

A common condition that impacts over eight million people each year, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes pain, numbness, or tingling in the hand and wrist. It results from the excessive compression of the median nerve — one of the chief nerves leading to the hand. The condition is named after a space in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. This is where the median nerve and several tendons pass from your forearm to your hand.



Typically, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome appear gradually. Sufferers may not seek treatment until several months after they've begun to experience symptoms. Tingling or numbness of the thumb, middle, and index fingers typically occur first, but may not last more than a few moments in the early stages of the condition. Typically, these sensations will not target the pinky finger — or at least, not at first.

Over time, tingling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome becomes more frequent and may travel beyond the fingers to include the wrist and forearm. This may eventually make it difficult to complete daily tasks such as typing, driving, or grasping objects.

Other common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Weakness of the hand
• Dropping objects
• Pain and discomfort in the palm of the hand and the wrist
• The sensation of swelling, even if no swelling actually occurs
• Constantly feeling the need to 'shake out' the wrist or hand
• Difficulty sleeping

Patients who wait too long to seek treatment may suffer permanent damage to nerves or muscles impacted by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Car Wrecks and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What the Science Says

While most studies involving car accident injuries focus on typical head and spine trauma, a growing body of research delves into the impact car accidents can have on the nerves and tendons of the hand and wrist. From bone fractures to shearing injuries, it's increasingly clear that a variety of acute injuries suffered during car wrecks can ultimately lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. A few of the most compelling studies about blunt trauma and carpal tunnel syndrome are highlighted below:

Carpal Tunnel Versus Trigger Finger

A study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation revealed that some patients suffering neck pain following car accidents also suffered carpal tunnel or trigger finger. These conditions are frequently seen in the same patients; both injuries prompt pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Researchers involved in the study theorize that both trigger finger and carpal tunnel can occur in response to car crash victims tightly grasping the steering wheel as they attempt to swerve or brace for impact.

As the causes of acute carpal tunnel syndrome (and associated disorders) become clear, patients enjoy greater potential for recovering personal injury damages. This is wonderful news for car crash victims, who can suffer greatly following wrist injuries. Not only does carpal tunnel syndrome require extensive rehabilitation, it can lead to significant loss of income for those unable to complete fine motor tasks at work. A greater understanding of carpal tunnel syndrome and its origins can lead to quicker diagnosis and more substantial personal injury damages.

Do you suspect that your carpal tunnel syndrome was caused by a negligent driver? You deserve justice. Contact us today to learn more about our approach to personal injury and how we can help you hold negligent drivers accountable.

Sources

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2012/04/02/forget-football-car-crashes-are-the-leading-cause-of-fatal-head-trauma-among-teens/#ee955c170bd2
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet#3049_3
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061109153942.htm
https://www.webmd.com/g00/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome?i10c.encReferrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8%3D&i10c.ua=1&i10c.dv=14

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