Am Fam Physician. 2025;112(3):337-339
Author disclosure: No relevant financial relationships.
KEY POINTS FOR PRACTICE
• The CTS-6 clinical prediction tool is as effective as ultrasonography, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Corticosteroid injections do not provide long-term improvement but can be considered for short-term relief.
• Postoperative immobilization and physical therapy have not been shown to be beneficial.
From the AFP Editors
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve under the transverse carpal ligament of the wrist, and it affects up to 1 in 20 adults. The most common symptoms are sensory disturbances that disrupt sleep and can impair strength and dexterity. Some patients also experience pain in the wrist and fingers. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has published guidelines on the management of CTS.
RISK FACTORS
In the opinion of the guidelines working group, there is no association between high keyboard use and CTS. No high-quality studies address the effect of keyboard use on CTS, and only one low-quality study found an association.
DIAGNOSIS
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