Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome arises due to pressure on the median nerve of the wrist and it results in a feeling of numbness, weakness, tingling, and pain. Affecting the hand and wrist, this condition can be the result of various ailments, conditions, and injuries.

The carpal tunnel is a small passage running along the wrist where the palm and forearm connect. The tunnel houses the transverse carpal ligament, bones, and tendons; applying pressure to the passage reduces the amount of space in the carpal tunnel resulting in a pinched nerve and a feeling of pain, numbness, and tingling.
 

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure is placed on the median nerve of the carpal tunnel along the wrist. Various ailments and conditions including pregnancy, obesity, benign tumors, and common maladies can lead to a persistent case of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Overuse and repetitive motions can lead to inflammation and swelling in the wrist which place pressure on the median nerve. Broken or dislocated bones can limit space in the carpal tunnel leading to numbness and pain.

There are several conditions that can cause this and it is common for there to be multiple contributing factors at play; if carpal tunnel syndrome is a concern it is best to see a trained physician that can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.
 

Symptoms

This condition begins as a gradual build up of numbness along the thumb, index, and middle finger. A tingling sensation is likely to radiate throughout the wrist and hand while gripping items such as a phone or steering wheel or while sleeping. Occasionally, the pain and numbness from carpal tunnel syndrome can reach the shoulder and the forearm. As the feeling of numbness continues to spread it becomes more prominent and it may become more difficult to hold on to objects without dropping them.

Symptoms often occur in both hands and are usually felt at night.
 

Treatments

Carpal tunnel syndrome should be attended to as early as possible; at the first sign of symptoms, patients should aim to take longer breaks from their activities to rest their hands and wrists.

Numbness along the thumb and fingers can be relieved through the use of a wrist splint which helps to prevent flexion. Various physical therapy treatments are available including stretches, ultrasounds, and range of motion exercises, all of which can help strengthen the hand and wrist and improve well-being. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, are also recommended for pain relief although they may not reduce carpal tunnel syndrome in the long run.

Endoscopic and open surgery are available and both use incisions to cut the ligament within the carpal tunnel thereby releasing pressure and allowing the nerve more space. The ligament tissues then grows back while allowing more room for the nerve to move.

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Los Angeles County:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near Anaheim
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near Colton
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near Corona
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near Garden Grove
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near Irwindale
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near La Mirada
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near Long Beach
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near Los Angeles
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near Ontario
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near Perris
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in and near Temecula

Contact Healthpointe Today!

HEALTHPOINTE offers comprehensive evaluations and treatments for all your orthopedic and related needs. To talk to one of our doctors, please schedule an appointment today!