It's All in the Wrist: Diagnosis and Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy accounting for 90% of similar disorders, occurring in 3.8% of the population, common in adults aged 40-60 years, and is associated with an average 32 lost days of work and lost productivity. In addition to occupational exposure, there are several common chronic disorders that can preclude CTS, obesity, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, metabolic syndrome, and thyroid disorder, to name a few. Therefore, it is important for the primary care provider to have knowledge in this syndrome. The purpose of the article is to inform the provider about the etiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of CTS, as well as the implications for job-associated CTS.