Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve at your wrist, which runs from your forearm down into the palm of your hand. This nerve controls the sensations and impulses to the palm side of your thumb and fingers (except the little finger) and some muscles in your hand that allow your fingers and thumb to move.
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night with your hand numb and tingling or feeling a sharp pain shooting up your arm when you try to grab your morning coffee. For someone with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, these sensations are all too familiar. Simple tasks like typing, holding a phone, or even brushing your teeth can become challenging and cause pain. The constant discomfort caused by this can make it hard to focus on your work, enjoy your hobbies, or even get a good night’s sleep.
Common Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms include:
These symptoms often start gradually and can be more pronounced at night or after you have been using your hand for repetitive tasks.
While occasional numbness or tingling might not be a cause for alarm, you should not ignore consistent symptoms. When left untreated, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage and muscle loss in your hand. If you experience persistent symptoms of CTS, severe pain, or weakness, especially if they interfere with daily activities, it’s time to see a doctor. Our hand and wrist specialists can evaluate your symptoms and provide you with a custom treatment recommendation.
There are several measures you can take at home to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
If your symptoms persist despite at-home treatments or if you experience significant pain, weakness, or loss of function, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform tests to diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and recommend appropriate treatment options.
At OIBO, we have a team of specialists dedicated to helping you with your pain. Contact us to schedule an appointment; we can’t wait to help you.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome are often confused, but they affect different nerves and parts of the body.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome specifically involves the median nerve at the wrist, causing symptoms in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
On the other hand, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow, causing symptoms in the ring and little fingers. While both conditions affect the hands, they require different treatments and management strategies.
Learn more about Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.
While some symptoms may be able to be managed at home, for severe cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, medical treatments may be necessary.
These can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
A corticosteroid, such as cortisone, is injected directly into the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. This is usually a quick procedure performed under local anesthesia.
These injections are administered at a doctor’s office or clinic.
Effectiveness
It can provide temporary relief from symptoms. Some patients may require repeat injections; others might need additional treatments if symptoms return.
Exercises and stretches can help improve wrist mobility and strength.
A physical therapist will design a program of exercises and stretches to improve wrist mobility and strength. You will have exercises performed at a physical therapy clinic and/or guided by a physical therapist for at-home exercises.
Techniques might include:
Nerve Gliding Exercises: These help the median nerve move more freely through the carpal tunnel.
Wrist Stretches: Stretching the wrist flexors and extensors.
Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles of the hand and wrist.
Ergonomic Training: Advice on modifying activities to reduce strain on your wrist.
Effectiveness
Physical therapy can be very effective, especially when combined with other treatments. It can help reduce pain, improve function, and prevent symptoms from worsening.
In addition to at-home treatments and professional medical interventions, here are some other tips to manage pain and prevent symptoms from worsening:
Modify Activities
Adjust how you perform tasks to reduce stress on your wrists. For example, use ergonomic tools and take frequent breaks when typing or using a mouse.
Stretching and Strengthening
Regular exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the wrist and hand can help.
Proper Posture
Maintaining good posture, especially sitting at a desk, can reduce strain on your wrists and hands.
Carpal tunnel release surgery involves cutting the ligament that is pressing on the median nerve, providing relief from symptoms. It can be done as an open surgery or an endoscopic procedure, which uses smaller incisions and typically has a quicker recovery time.
This treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.
There are two main types of carpal tunnel release surgery:
Open Surgery
For this procedure the surgeon makes an incision in the palm of the hand to access the carpal tunnel and cuts the transverse carpal ligament, this relieves pressure on the median nerve.
Endoscopic Surgery
For this type of surgery, the surgeon makes one or two small incisions and uses a tiny camera (endoscope) to see inside the carpal tunnel. The ligament is then cut through these small incisions. This method often results in less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery.
Effectiveness
Surgery is highly effective for many patients, providing long-term relief from symptoms. Recovery times can vary, but most patients see significant improvement within a few weeks to months.
Although living with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be challenging, understanding the condition and taking proactive steps can significantly improve your quality of life. From recognizing the early signs and symptoms to implementing at-home treatments and knowing when to seek professional help, you can manage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome effectively. Remember, addressing the issue when the problems first start can prevent long-term damage and help you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for information purposes only and is not medical advice or diagnosis. Please contact us with questions or to schedule with one of our orthopaedic specialists.
Patients deserve personalized, outcome-driven care provided by physicians who genuinely care about them. As medicine has become more corporate and transactional, OrthoNJ prioritizes exceptional doctor/patient relationships. This is why we say we have The Power to Put Patients First.
Patients deserve personalized, outcome-driven care provided by physicians who genuinely care about them. As medicine has become more corporate and transactional, OrthoNJ prioritizes exceptional doctor/patient relationships. This is why we say we have The Power to Put Patients First.
Patients deserve personalized, outcome-driven care provided by physicians who genuinely care about them. As medicine has become more corporate and transactional, OrthoNJ prioritizes exceptional doctor/patient relationships. This is why we say we have The Power to Put Patients First.
