David Price, pitcher for the Red Sox, had not been as effective as usual early this year. He is reportedly experiencing numbness in this throwing hand and is being evaluated for carpal tunnel syndrome. David Price was out from May 3rd until May 12 when he started, threw effectively and won in Toronto.
Current best evidence suggests that some of us are born with narrower wrist (carpal) tunnels where the tendons and nerves pass into the hand. This tunnel is like the ring on a fishing rod—holding the tendons and nerves in place. If you are born with a narrower tunnel, eventually you may start to have problems with the nerve that passes through the tunnel. The role of activity in causing or worsening carpal tunnel syndrome is highly debatable (Lozano-Calderón, S., Anthony, S., & Ring, D.).
Media reports have emphasized David’s love of video gaming and suggested that it might be contributing to the carpal tunnel syndrome. Although he rightly questions this association as not based on scientific evidence, he will be giving up his favorite game for the time being in order to limit this distraction.
Carpal tunnel is a result of compression on the median nerve as it passes into the hand. This nerve runs along the palm side of your hand—referred to as the carpal tunnel. This nerve allows for feeling in the thumb, pointer finger, and parts of the ring finger. When compressed, this affects the ability to feel causing numbness. Swelling of the wrist causes this compression leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness. Pain may occur with extreme pressure.
Price hopes to avoid surgery and is opting for an “acupuncture-like procedure”. This is outside of best scientific evidence. Splints that keep the wrist from bending can limit night-time numbness (the classic symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome). There are no other proved palliative (symptom relieving) treatments. The only treatment that can prevent progression of the disease (carpal tunnel syndrome can cause permanent nerve damage) is surgery to release the transverse carpal ligament.

This Article was made by Alexa Ryder and Dr. David Ring.
Citations:
Lozano-Calderón, S., Anthony, S., & Ring, D. (2008). The Quality and Strength of Evidence for Etiology: Example of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The Journal of Hand Surgery, 33(4), 525-538. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.01.004