Carpal Tunnel Relief

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects your hand and arm, causing frequent numbness, tingling, and even pain. These symptoms result due to compression on the median nerve of your hand that travels through the carpal tunnel located in your wrist.

Continued pressure on the median nerve can lead to a worsening of your symptoms until eventually, you suffer permanent nerve damage.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

The median nerve is one of the primary nerves in your hand. This nerve travels from nerve roots in your neck, into your arm, through the carpal tunnel of the wrist, and into the hand.

When the carpal tunnel begins to narrow or your activities put too much pressure on your median nerve, you’re at risk for developing persistent numbness or pain. You may even find it hard to grip objects properly as your hand begins to weaken.

People who regularly work at a computer or perform other repetitive motions often develop carpal tunnel syndrome over time. You may also be at increased risk if you have an underlying medical condition, like diabetes, that causes nerve damage.

What treatment options are available for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Initially, your Orthopaedic Associates physician may recommend resting your hand and wrist for a period of time and using over-the-counter pain relievers to keep you comfortable. A brace to keep your wrist stable may help reduce pressure on the median nerve.

Physical therapy can help strengthen your muscles in your hand and wrist to make it easier to grip objects. Exercises can also help increase your range of motion and reduce pain levels.

If these treatments aren’t enough to relieve chronic pain or dysfunction in your hand or wrist, you may be a good candidate for carpal tunnel surgery.

What can I expect during carpal tunnel surgery?

There are two main surgical techniques useful in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Both have a goal to relieve pressure on your median nerve.

In an open carpal tunnel release surgery, a small incision in the palm of your hand allows your surgeon access to the treatment site. They divide the ligament at the tunnel roof to increase the size of the carpal tunnel and take pressure off the nerve.

In endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery, your surgeon uses a slender surgical tool and a tiny camera to widen the carpal tunnel.

Find relief from carpal tunnel pain by calling Orthopaedic Associates or using the online booking feature for an appointment.