Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand, wrist, and arm. Particularly common in women, carpal tunnel is caused by a compression of the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel passageway in your hand and wrist.

When left untreated, carpal tunnel typically worsens and can even lead to nerve damage if you don’t seek treatment early on.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The most common carpal tunnel symptoms are:

• Hand weakness
• Clumsiness
• Hand pain (particularly in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers)
• Tingling
• Burning sensation in hands
• Sudden shock-like pain in fingers

Many patients with carpal tunnel syndrome say their fingers feel swollen, even if they aren’t. Some people also struggle to pick up everyday objects and become desensitized to hot and cold.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the carpal tunnel passageway becomes inflamed and narrows. This can happen due to:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Repetitive hand motions
• Typing
• Writing
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Obesity

When carpal tunnel syndrome worsens, its symptoms can linger for an extended time or go away and return later. Early intervention helps prevent symptoms from worsening, so you can maintain functions of your hands, wrists, and arms.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Advanced Pain Management offers several interventional treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

Physical therapy

Physical therapy hand exercises are an excellent way to retain your muscle strength and prevent carpal tunnel symptoms from worsening.

Splinting

Wearing a splint at night can help relieve carpal tunnel symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling.

Corticosteroid injections

If alternative therapies like hand exercises and splinting aren’t effective, the team can inject your carpal tunnel with a corticosteroid to relieve pain. These powerful pain relievers also decrease inflammation and alleviate pressure on the median nerve.

Lifestyle changes

Avoiding activities that spark carpal tunnel syndrome flare-ups can help dramatically reduce your symptoms. It’s also important to take breaks and rest your hands whenever possible.

Advanced Pain Management has many nonsurgical carpal tunnel treatments to keep your hands strong and functional. To schedule an appointment with the team, call the office or book online.