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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition where the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the wrist, which can lead to numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand.

How did this happen? Possible Causes

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is when pressure builds in the wrist. The following are common causes for CTS:

Is tingling, “fizzing”, or numbness in your hands slowing you down or creating weakness in your grip? Get answers, get relief from specialists who treat this every day, and get back to life as normal. Book your appointment today.

  • Repetitive Motion: CTS is rarely due to a single event, but repetitive hand use (such as typing, using vibrating tools, and/or assembly line work) in which the wrists remain bent for extended periods of time.
  • Existing Health Conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid gland imbalances, and even pregnancy (hormonal changes) can increase risk.
  • Wrist Injury: Fractures, sprains, or dislocations can damage and narrow the carpal tunnel
  • Inflammation: Swelling of the tendons (tenosynovitis) reduces the space available for the nerve. Inflammation, diabetes, or other nerve-related conditions can impact the space available for the nerve.
  • Anatomy: Some people naturally have smaller carpal tunnels.

Do I need help? Possible Signs

If you notice the following symptoms, you may need evaluation from one of our specialists.

  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, or ring fingers (but not the pinky).
  • Early morning or nighttime discomfort or symptoms worsen, and sometimes a need to wake up to “shake out” your hand.
  • Weaknesses in the hand can lead to dropped objects and difficulty in fine motor skills, like buttoning clothes.
  • Electric Shock Sensations or sharp pains that travel from the wrist up the arm.

How can we help? Possible Treatments

Non-Surgical

In most cases, symptoms can be treated without surgery if found early:

  • Activity and ergonomic adjustments to a workstation or a common activity.
  • Hand therapy through physical therapy or massage.
  • NSAIDs & Anti-inflammatory medications with common over-the-counter medications designed to reduce swelling.
  • Bracing/Splinting can include wrist splints at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position.
  • Corticosteroid injections are powerful anti-inflammatory medications injected directly into the carpal tunnel.
Surgical

Lone Star Orthopaedic and Spine will always explore conservative, non-surgical treatments as first options to relieve pain and improve function before considering surgical intervention. If symptoms are severe or non-surgical methods fail, surgical intervention may be a viable option.

  • Open Release: A small incision in the palm that divides the ligament and increases the tunnel size.
  • Endoscopic Release: A minimally invasive approach, using a small camera to help make smaller incisions, often leading to a faster functional recovery.

Life after treatment

Recovery timelines vary, but after treatment, most patients experience a significant reduction in “nerve pain” almost immediately, improved hand strength and function in a couple of months, and better sleep without nighttime symptoms and return to daily activities and work without constant numbness.

Disclaimers:

  • The information provided on www.lonestar-ortho.net is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. The content on this website is presented in summary form, general in nature, and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

  • The materials and information provided on this website are not intended to replace professional medical advice, care, or consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition, treatment option, or health concern.

  • Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

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Do not let nerve damage become permanent. Our team of specialists is ready to help you regain your grip on life. Call us to book your appointment now! (817) 926-BONE (2663).

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