Carpal Tunnel Surgery | Fibromyalgia | Diabetes | Arthritis - The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: More Than Just A Slap On The Wrist

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder in which inflammation in the wrists causes pressure on the median nerve and can result in acute pain. Research shows that there is a higher incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in people who suffer from fibromyalgia, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. As well as wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness in the fingers.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia: the connection

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder which can cause pain throughout the body. It can also cause headaches, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and many other debilitating symptoms. Almost 50% of women with carpal tunnel syndrome also suffer from fibromyalgia. If symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome cannot be eased with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, surgery may be needed.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and diabetes: the connection

Diabetes is a disease which causes the level of blood sugar to become too high because the body does not produce enough insulin. It is known that people with diabetes are more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome than those who don’t suffer from this disorder. In fact, carpal tunnel syndrome may, in some cases, be a predictor of diabetes.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis: the connection

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect the joints and, in some cases, the eyes, lungs, skin, heart, and blood vessels. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common complication related to rheumatoid arthritis. This is because of the increased risk of inflammation and swelling of the tendons and joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause damage to the wrist which leads to compression of the median nerve.

Clearing the carpal tunnel with wrist surgery

When non-surgical methods have failed to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be recommended. Currently, there are two types of surgery for this condition: endoscopic and open surgery. In both types of surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut. This releases pressure on the median nerve. The ligament will gradually heal, leaving more room in the carpal tunnel for the median nerve.