In severe cases patients will complain of weakness of grip and clumsiness of the fingers. The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. Often pregnancy will bring it on or make symptoms worst. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and diabetes are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Nerve conduction studies can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment initially involves splinting and modification of work or recreational activity.
Steroids are sometimes injected as well. If conservative treatment has failed then surgical release of the carpal tunnel is indicated, and involves releasing the transverse metacarpal ligament in the wrist which relieves the pressure. Dupuytren's Disease Dupuytren's disease is a condition of abnormal thickening of the fascia and skin of the palm and fingers that causes the fingers to bend into the palm so that they cannot be fully extended. The condition can become so severe that patients are unable to place their hands into their pockets, put on gloves or participate in activities involving use of the affected hand. Pits, nodules and involvement of the knuckles can also occur.