What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Pressure placed on the median nerve in your arm causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist surrounded by ligaments and bones. Common symptoms that can show up in your arm, hand, wrist, or fingers include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Pain
Carpal tunnel treatment with Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute can reduce your symptoms and restore muscle and joint function.
What are the risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome?
While anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, common risk factors for developing the condition include:
- Wrist fractures
- Joint dislocations
- Arthritis
- Having a small carpal tunnel
- Being a woman
- Diabetes
- Other nerve-damaging conditions
- Some medications
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Thyroid disorders
- Kidney failure
- Lymphedema
- Repetitive motions at work
To reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel problems, take periodic breaks when completing repetitive hand motions. Reduce the force used when gripping things, have good posture, and maintain a healthy body weight.
How does my provider diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?
To determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome and develop a treatment plan, your Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute specialist asks you questions about your lifestyle, symptoms, and medical history.
They complete a physical exam to assess your hands, fingers, and wrists. Your provider might recommend a nerve conduction study and X-rays or another imaging procedure.
What are common carpal tunnel syndrome treatments?
Depending on what kind of carpal tunnel syndrome you have and how severe it is, your specialist will recommend one of the following common treatments:
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes that can reduce carpal tunnel pain include:
- Taking frequent breaks when using your hands or wrists
- Avoiding activities that make your symptoms worse
- Applying ice to reduce swelling
Other nonsurgical treatments
Examples of nonsurgical treatments your doctor could suggest to reduce pain include:
- Wearing a wrist splint
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications
- Having steroid injections
- Undergoing regenerative medicine treatments (stem cell and platelet-rich plasma injections)
Surgery
If you have severe symptoms or pain that interferes with your daily life, your orthopedic specialist could recommend surgery. Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute offers minimally invasive endoscopic surgery and open surgery to cut the ligament in your hand or wrist and reduce the crippling pain.
Don’t live with carpal tunnel pain when simple treatments can eliminate it. Call the Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute office nearest you to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
