Carpal Tunnel Specialist

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

The median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. It helps you move your forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers. This nerve is responsible for sensation in the forearm and certain parts of the hand. 

Specialists diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome when you have pain and movement limitations due to compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow, rigid passageway. 

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

The median nerve is vulnerable to swelling and inflammation, which causes it to press up against the carpal tunnel. This may occur because of repetitive wrist or hand movements, like typing.

You’re more vulnerable to an inflamed median nerve if you have diabetes or are pregnant. Some people have a genetically small carpal tunnel that makes them prone to excessive pressure on the median nerve. 

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops gradually over time. It often starts as an aching sensation in your wrist that radiates into your forearm or hand. The pain may come and go, so you brush it off as a temporary strain.

But as carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, you’ll start to feel numbness, burning sensations, and tingling in your hand. You eventually develop hand weakness, affecting the strength of your grip. The damage to sensation and function may become permanent without proper treatment. 

How do you diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?

The specialists at Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine thoroughly review your health history and lifestyle habits. They’ll examine your hand, fingers, and wrist. 

You’ll also undergo imaging exams, like an MRI, to confirm or rule out carpal tunnel syndrome. 

What does carpal tunnel syndrome treatment include?

If you have mild symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, your specialist will recommend conservative care to ease your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and prevent further damage. 

Treatment may include:

• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Cold packs
• Physical therapy
• Wrist splints
• Carpal tunnel corticosteroid injections

If your carpal tunnel syndrome has progressed, surgery may be necessary. Your surgeon uses minimally invasive techniques to perform the procedure, so you recover relatively quickly and can get back to normal function.

If you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Call Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine today or use the online tool to book an appointment.