Carpal Tunnel

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

If you have pain in your hand and wrist when doing common activities like writing, typing, or repetitive wrist work, it may be because of carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a passageway located in your wrist, with several nerves, ligaments, and tendons traveling through it. 

A primary nerve, known as the medium nerve, runs from your forearm to your hand through the carpal tunnel. If the tunnel is inflamed, it causes undue pressure on the nerve, causing uncomfortable sensations on the palm side of your thumb, middle, index, and ring fingers. 

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Overuse can cause inflammation in the carpal tunnel, which results in pressure on the median nerve. Changes in the anatomy of your wrist, such as during pregnancy, and health problems like rheumatoid arthritis may also be to blame. If you experience a wrist fracture, it can squeeze the carpal tunnel and cause symptoms.

What symptoms suggest carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes problems like tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand. Sometimes you even feel an electric shock in your thumb and index, middle, or ring fingers. The pinky finger is not usually affected. 

The discomfort may travel up your wrist into your arm and strike when you’re holding a steering wheel or your phone, or be noticeable even when you’re sleeping. 

Weakness in your hands and fingers also develops. You may drop items or feel less strength in your pinching grip. 

What treatments are available for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Nonsurgical and surgical treatments are available for carpal tunnel syndrome. In the early stages, your provider may recommend wrist splinting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections to ease pain and minimize dysfunction. 

If these treatments don’t adequately reduce inflammation and swelling in your carpal tunnel and your pain is disabling, the team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center may recommend surgery. During surgery, your doctor cuts the ligament that presses on the median nerve to relieve the pressure and resulting symptoms. 

If you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, seek an evaluation right away from the team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center. Call today or use this website to set up your appointment.