Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is explained as median nerve compression within the carpal tunnel, with emphasis on both anatomy and the wider factors that contribute to symptoms. The teaching covers the tunnel walls, internal structures, and how trauma, inflammation, obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, vibration, repetitive wrist use, and space-occupying lesions can all play a role. Learners are guided through the symptom pattern, including numbness, tingling, night pain, weakness, sensory change, and thenar muscle wasting, as well as the difference between mild, moderate, and severe presentations. Common clinical tests are reviewed, such as hand elevation, Durkan, Phalen, Tinel, and median nerve neurodynamic testing, alongside key differential diagnoses including cervical radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, pronator syndrome, Raynaud’s, and wrist overuse injuries. Management focuses on practical decision-making. Conservative options include education, activity modification, nerve mobilization, exercise, splinting, shockwave therapy, and corticosteroid injection, mainly for mild to moderate cases. Severe or persistent cases may require surgery, especially when function declines or electrodiagnostic findings worsen. Prognosis, progression risk, and the importance of timely reassessment are also highlighted.