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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sports Medicine

Stephen Shaheen, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Clinical condition caused by entrapment of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel at the wrist

  • Classically presents as pain, weakness, and paresthesias on the palmar surface on the fir...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Complaints of pain, weakness, and paresthesias on the palmar surface on the first 3½ digits

  • Exacerbated by specific wrist motion in sport, occupational task, sleeping, driving, and so ...

TREATMENT

  • Conservative treatment:

    • ~80% of patients with CTS respond initially to conservative treatment; however, symptoms recur in 80% after 1 yr 5.

    • Restriction of precipitating activities may relieve ...

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Use of wrist wraps and taping may minimize forces through the carpal tunnel by limiting excessive motion through the wrist in upper extremity weight-bearing sports such a...

REFERENCES

1
Aroori S, Spence RA. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Ulster Med J.  2008;77(1):6–17.
2
Wilder-Smith EP, Seet RC, Lim EC. Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome—clinical criteria and ancillary tests....

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Gerritsen AA, de Vet HC, Scholten RJ, et al. Splinting vs surgery in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA.  2002;288(10):1245–1251.

  • Wainn...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • CTS is a very common compressive neuropathy of the upper extremity.

  • It classically presents as pain, weakness, and paresthesias on the palmar surface on the first 3½ digits.

  • Patients als...

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