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What is Bilateral Carpal Tunnel?

Misty Wiser
Misty Wiser

Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel of both wrists simultaneously. It is thought to be a repetitive strain injury caused by the overuse of the hands and wrists during certain activities, such as typing on a computer keyboard. Arthritis and obesity may also play a role in the development of the condition. Treatment utilizes medications, splints, or braces to immobilize the wrist, as well as surgery to cut the transverse carpal ligament.

Symptoms of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome may first present as numbness or tingling in the fingers. Most of the swelling of the hands and fingers associated with carpal tunnel syndrome occurs at night when the fingers curl to make a fist. This results in an increase in nighttime wakefulness because of pain and numbness caused by pressure on the median nerve.

Treatment for bilateral carpel tunnel may include medication.
Treatment for bilateral carpel tunnel may include medication.

Some people with this syndrome report a burning sensation along the length of the fingers and into the wrist. The numbness and pain may travel up the arm and into the shoulder over time. A person may lose his ability to open and close his hands as the condition progresses.

Treatment for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of the symptoms. Steroid injections may be able to treat the pain and improve the range of motion for some people. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce pain. Most doctors will recommend wearing a brace or splint at night to prevent the hands from making a fist while sleeping. Keeping the wrist straight increases the size of the space within the carpal tunnel, reducing pressure on the median nerve.

Bilateral carpel tunnel swelling may be worse at night.
Bilateral carpel tunnel swelling may be worse at night.

Ultrasound treatment may be helpful to treat the pain and numbness for some people. During this procedure, the wrist is exposed to ultrasound waves for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Many people report relief from the symptoms of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome after a few treatment sessions.

Surgical intervention may be necessary for some people who are unable to achieve any relief through other methods. The surgeon will make an incision in the wrist to expose the median nerve, tendons, and ligaments that run through the carpal tunnel. Another incision is made in the palm to reveal the end of the carpal tunnel process. The surgeon will then make a cut in the transverse carpal ligament, relieving the pressure inside the carpal tunnel. Most people get significant relief from the pain and numbness after the surgery.

Discussion Comments

anon1002135

Before computers, people typed on typewriters, but never had carpal tunnel syndrome. I rarely type, but have had CTS for years. It is related to my spine, as I can change my position a bit when tingling begins, or when I am awakened by severe pain. In the latter case, I usually have to stand and walk until it subsides, n matter how sleepy I am. Application of suggestions I’ve read about relating to the mind-body connection espoused by Dr. John Sarno has given me the most relief, although I do not live near a physician who is trained in those non-drug, non-surgical procedures.

anon969189

I am a 37 year old man. In 2011 I had a slipped disc L5-S1 and had an emergency operation, which went OK, but I didn't know you could have bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in your leg.

Lostnfound

A co-worker of mine had to take six weeks leave of absence for this. She had surgery on both wrists at the same time. She said she figured she might as well, since the recovery time was the same.

My main work-related issue is a trapezius muscle that keeps flaring up on me. My doctor said it's probably my posture at my desk, but I don't know how to change that without buying my own posture support chair, which I can't afford, and which the company is certainly not going to provide. Oh, well. I suppose that’s how it goes.

Grivusangel

Carpal tunnel in one wrist is bad enough -- can't imagine it in both! I hope it never happens to me. I'm probably a perfect candidate though, since I am on a computer about eight hours a day, and we don't have the most ergonomically correct desks and computer stations.

I've adapted my workstation to my own needs as well as I can, but it could still use some pretty serious adjustment. I don't think I'd like to stand and work all day, but I would like to be able to rest both of my elbows on my desk as I type. That would help keep my wrists at a comfortable angle.

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    • Treatment for bilateral carpel tunnel may include medication.
      By: Serggod
      Treatment for bilateral carpel tunnel may include medication.
    • Bilateral carpel tunnel swelling may be worse at night.
      By: oocoskun
      Bilateral carpel tunnel swelling may be worse at night.
    • Treatment for bilateral carpal tunnel may include surgery.
      By: astoria
      Treatment for bilateral carpal tunnel may include surgery.
    • Typing can cause carpal tunnel syndrome if done incorrectly.
      By: yanlev
      Typing can cause carpal tunnel syndrome if done incorrectly.
    • Splints can help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Splints can help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
    • Symptoms of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome may first appear as numbness or tingling in the fingers.
      By: maticsandra
      Symptoms of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome may first appear as numbness or tingling in the fingers.
    • Overuse of the hands and wrist while typing at a computer can cause bilateral carpet tunnel.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Overuse of the hands and wrist while typing at a computer can cause bilateral carpet tunnel.
    • Severe cases of carpal tunnel may inhibit an individual's ability to perform basic tasks, such as teeth brushing.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Severe cases of carpal tunnel may inhibit an individual's ability to perform basic tasks, such as teeth brushing.