Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world, mostly those who use their hands and wrists for long periods of time. The median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, gets pinched. Putting too much pressure on the hand can make it feel numb, tingly, and weak, among other uncomfortable things. To successfully manage this condition, it is important to know what causes carpal tunnel syndrome, how to diagnose it, and the different ways it can be treated.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A number of things that put extra pressure on the median nerve are often to blame for carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by doing the same thing over and over, like typing, working on an assembly line, or sitting at a computer for long periods of time. The wrist can grow or become inflamed from doing these things over and over again. This makes the carpal tunnel narrow and puts pressure on the nerve.
Having diabetes, arthritis, being overweight, or being pregnant are some of the other health problems that can lead to CTS. Some physical factors, like having a smaller carpal tunnel or having had wrist accidents in the past, may make getting carpal tunnel syndrome more likely.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are often mild at first but get worse over time. The most common signs include:
- Numbness and tingling: Fingers like the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger often feel this way. People with CTS may describe it as a “pins and needles” feeling.
- Pain: It’s possible to feel pain in the wrist, hand, and even the elbow. It often becomes more pronounced at night or during activities that require the use of the hands.
- Weakness: Hand and finger weakness can make it hard to hold things, and some people may find it hard to do simple things like hold a cup or turn a lock.
- Decreased dexterity: As the condition progresses, you may notice difficulty in performing fine motor tasks or a decline in hand coordination.
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If a physician thinks you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, they will do a full physical check. They will ask about your past health problems, your symptoms, and the things you do that might be making things worse.
The EMG (electromyography) study is one of the best ways to find out if someone has CTS. This test checks the electrical activity of nerves and muscles and can tell if there is nerve damage or compression in the carpal tunnel. Sometimes, physicians may also use nerve conduction tests to check how fast electrical impulses move through the median nerve. These tests can help prove the diagnosis and find out how bad the illness is.
Medical Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you are identified with carpal tunnel syndrome, your physician will work with you to make a treatment plan that is just right for you. Treatment options can range from non-invasive methods to surgery, depending on how bad the problem is.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Wrist Splints: A wrist splint can help keep the wrist in a normal position, which can ease pressure on the median nerve, especially at night. This can ease the symptoms and keep the damage from getting worse.
- Corticosteroid Injections: A physician may sometimes suggest a corticosteroid shot to ease pain and reduce inflammation. These injections can provide temporary relief, though they are not a long-term solution.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve the pressure on the median nerve and improve flexibility in the wrist. You can do exercises that are right for you with the help of a physical trainer.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Making changes to the ergonomics of your workstation and taking breaks often while doing jobs that you do over and over can keep your wrists from getting worse.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery may be necessary when other methods don’t work. The muscle that is on the median nerve is cut while the surgery is going on. This makes more room for the nerve to pass through the carpal tunnel. This surgery is usually done without the patient staying in the hospital, and most people feel a lot better after they heal.
Seeking Care at South Valley Neurology
It is very important to get help from expert physicians if you think you might have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the neurological diseases that South Valley Neurology specializes in diagnosing and treating. The physicians at South Valley Neurology are dedicated to giving you complete care that is tailored to your specific needs. They use cutting-edge testing tools and a patient-centered approach.
Getting help for carpal tunnel syndrome as soon as possible can make a big difference in how well it gets better. Whether you choose non-invasive treatments or surgery, you can take care of CTS and get relief from your symptoms.
If you think you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t wait—see a physician at South Valley Neurology right away to learn about your treatment options and get back to a busy, pain-free life.
