Do you experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands and fingers? Does this discomfort often disrupt your daily activities, making it difficult to properly type, write, or even hold objects?
If so, you may be one of the millions who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome – a common condition that affects people from all walks of life; carpal tunnel syndrome can greatly impact our ability to perform simple tasks and can lead to long-term disability if left untreated.
Let’s unlock the mystery behind this ailment by explaining what it is, its causes and symptoms, and effective carpal tunnel syndrome relief treatment options. So, whether you’re a college student constantly typing away on your laptop or a seasoned office worker using repetitive hand motions all day long, read on to gain a better understanding of carpal tunnel syndrome and how to find carpal tunnel syndrome relief from its debilitating effects.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a syndrome of the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of the wrist. This tunnel protects the main nerve (median nerve) to the hand and the nine tendons that bend the fingers. When pressure increases on this nerve, it can lead to CTS.
This syndrome often results from a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel rather than a problem with the nerve itself.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of CTS usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, itching, or numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The risk factors for CTS include:
- Heredity: This is likely because the carpal tunnel may be smaller in some people, and this trait can run in families.
- Repetitive hand use: Repeating the same hand and wrist motion or activities that place a high force or vibration on the hands for prolonged periods can increase pressure on the nerve.
- Health conditions: Some illnesses, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid gland imbalance, can contribute to carpal tunnel symptoms.
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Diagnosis of CTS is usually based on the symptoms and physical examination. However, electrodiagnostic tests may also be done to confirm the diagnosis and check for other possible nerve problems.
Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can cause significant discomfort and functional impairment, but several treatment strategies can help manage the symptoms and bring carpal tunnel syndrome relief. These treatments usually start with conservative, non-surgical strategies. If these don’t provide enough relief, surgery may be considered.
Let’s delve deeper into the treatments to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Wrist Splinting
Wrist splints are often the first step in treating CTS. These devices hold your wrist still while you sleep, preventing movements that might compress the median nerve. By keeping the wrist in a neutral position, splints can help alleviate nighttime symptoms of CTS, such as pain, numbness, and tingling.
Wrist splints can also be worn while performing activities that put pressure on the median nerve.
Avoiding Activities That Worsen Symptoms
Another important part of managing CTS is identifying and avoiding activities exacerbating symptoms. This might involve taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, modifying the way you perform certain actions, or using ergonomic tools designed to reduce strain on your wrist.
For example, if typing on a keyboard triggers your symptoms, you might switch to voice recognition software or use an ergonomic keyboard.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help ease the pain and swelling associated with CTS. These medications work by reducing the body’s production of substances that cause inflammation.
While NSAIDs can provide temporary relief from CTS symptoms, they don’t treat the underlying condition.
Steroid Injections
If conservative treatments aren’t effective, your doctor might recommend steroid injections. Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can be injected directly into your carpal tunnel.
This treatment can provide more significant and longer-lasting relief than NSAIDs. However, the effects of steroid injections are still temporary, and repeated injections may be necessary.
Surgery
Surgery is typically considered a last resort when other treatments have failed to provide adequate relief from CTS symptoms. The goal of surgery for CTS is to relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel.
There are two main types of surgery for CTS: open-release surgery, which involves a larger incision in the palm of the hand, and endoscopic surgery, which uses a thin tube with a camera attached (endoscope) to see inside your carpal tunnel and cut the ligament through smaller incisions.
Both types of surgery are generally effective, but recovery times can vary. After surgery, you’ll likely need to do physical therapy exercises to restore strength and flexibility to your wrist.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Naples, Florida
At Joint Replacement Institute, we have a highly trained and skilled hand surgeon, Dr. J Scott Herron, who is committed to treating a wide range of hand conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Our hand surgeon will work closely with you to find the treatment strategy that works best for you.
To schedule a consultation with our hand expert, contact us today at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you!
