People often get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), a disease that affects the hands and wrists and can be painful or even cause long-term damage if not treated quickly. When the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, gets pinched, it can happen. Different symptoms can happen because of this compression, from mild discomfort to serious pain and numbness. To control this condition and make life better, it’s important to find and treat it early.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Most of the time, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms show up slowly and affect one or both hands. Fingers that hurt, tingle, or go numb are the main signs. The thumb, index, and middle fingers hurt the most. A lot of people say that their symptoms get worse at night, which can make it hard to sleep. As the disease gets worse, people may also feel weak in their hands, which can make it hard to do everyday things like hold a pen or grip an item.
Some people may initially dismiss these symptoms as minor discomfort or temporary issues, but over time, the pain and numbness may become more frequent and intense. It’s important to note that carpal tunnel syndrome can affect both hands, but one hand may experience symptoms more severely than the other. In some cases, the pain can extend into the forearm or even the shoulder.
Causes and Risk Factors
Carpal tunnel syndrome is often brought on by doing the same things over and over with your hands and wrists, like typing, firmly holding something, or using tools. People who work on an assembly line or with computers for long periods of time are more likely to get CTS. Other things that can make it worse are being overweight, being pregnant, having diabetes, and having a disease that causes inflammation, like rheumatoid arthritis.
Genetics can also play a role in CTS. Some people may have a smaller carpal tunnel, which predisposes them to nerve compression. Moreover, women are more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, possibly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause.
Diagnosis by Physicians
It is very important to get a diagnosis from trained physicians if you think you might have carpal tunnel syndrome. A physical exam is usually the first thing doctors do. During this exam, they may test how strong and flexible the wrist and hand are. They will probably ask you about your symptoms, how long the pain lasts, and if you do any moves over and over again.
Doctors may suggest more tests, like nerve conduction studies or an Electromyography (EMG) test, to be sure of the diagnosis. These tests check how the nerves and muscles are dealing with electricity. This helps doctors figure out if nerves are pinched or damaged. Doctors can use an EMG test to figure out the best way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and figure out how bad the problem really is.
Effective Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
How you treat carpal tunnel syndrome depends on how bad your symptoms are. In the beginning, simple treatments like rest, wrist splints, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help ease the pain. Putting a splint on the wrist, especially at night, can keep the median nerve from getting any worse and help it heal.
For cases that don’t go away, doctors may suggest physical treatment to strengthen the muscles around the wrist and make it work better. Stretching and making changes to your work environment, like changing the height of your chair or computer, can help your wrists feel better.
Surgical assistance may be needed in more serious cases where non-invasive treatments have not worked. The muscle that is on the median nerve is cut while the surgery is going on. This makes more space for the nerve to pass through the carpal tunnel. Most of the time, this treatment is safe and works well, relieving symptoms and making hand function better.
Why South Valley Neurology is a Trusted Resource
If you think you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, you should get professional help right away. The doctors at South Valley Neurology can help people with this condition in many ways. Their team of experienced doctors is trained to find and treat a wide range of neurological problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The most up-to-date diagnostic and treatment tools are used to make sure that people get the best care for their symptoms.
Doctors at South Valley Neurology work closely with patients to make treatment plans that are unique to each person and meet their needs. With their expertise, the staff at South Valley Neurology can help you through the evaluation, treatment, and recovery process, no matter how bad your pain is.
Conclusion
Carpal tunnel syndrome can make your daily life very hard, but the symptoms can be controlled if you catch them early and get the right treatment. If you’re experiencing any of the common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Consult with a physician to determine the best course of action. Whether through conservative treatments or more advanced interventions like surgery, addressing the issue early can prevent long-term damage and restore hand function. With the help of trusted physicians at South Valley Neurology, you can find relief and get back to doing the things you love.
