Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist. This is caused when one of the main nerves to your hand (the median nerve) becomes compressed as it travels through your wrist and palm.
Causes and risk factors
Genetic
Repetitive hand use
Doing activities with extreme flexion or extension of the hand and wrist
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis and/or other auto-immune disease
Injury/Trauma
Symptoms
Numbness and tingling which most commonly affects the thumb, index, middle and ring finger
Pain that travels up the arm
Lack of strength in grip and finger coordination
Symptoms often worsen with use/activity and can occur at night awaking someone from sleep
Diagnosis and treatment
Most people that have carpal tunnel syndrome will notice that their symptoms gradually worsen over time. It is important to be evaluated in the early stages to slow or stop the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome. The diagnosis is often made based on your history, symptoms and examination. Sometimes, additional studies such as an EMG or Nerve Conduction Study are ordered to aid in the diagnosis.
Nonsurgical treatments include rest, ice, wrist splints, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), or steroid injections. If conservative treatment does not improve your symptoms, then surgical treatment can be considered. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome entails performing a “carpal tunnel release”. Carpal tunnel release increases the size of the carpal tunnel to decrease pressure on the nerve and usually leads to improvement in symptoms.
If you are concerned that you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, schedule a visit and Dr. Holt will discuss treatment options with you to help develop an optimal treatment plan.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgical Information/Post Operative Instructions
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