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Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Up to 14% of people with diabetes are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as median nerve entrapment. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of your hand. It contains nerve and tendons. The median nerve runs from the forearm into the hand. Thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the nerve to be compressed.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Sleep interruption due to numb hands
• Waking up with numb hands and pain
• Pain in hand and wrist
• Weakness in hand and wrist
• Pain radiating up the forearm
• Poor circulation, hands falling asleep
• Cold hands, warm forearms
• Loss of hand grip strength
• Loss of feeling in fingers/thumb
• Dropping objects, clumsiness

Symptoms usually start gradually and as they worsen, grasping objects can become difficult. Treatment includes resting the hand, splints, pain and anti-inflammatory medicines, and surgery.