Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. In some cases, individuals are simply born with a smaller Carpal Tunnel, however CTS is usually caused by performing repetitive motions with the hand and wrist exacerbating mechanical problems or degeneration in the wrist joint, trauma or injury to the wrist, or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Compression of the median nerve can cause pain in the wrist, hand and fingers. Numbness in the fingers may cause lack of dexterity and hand weakness can develop if the problem is not addressed. For many individuals, the pain and symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome make work and normal activity difficult.

Symptoms

Symptoms include weakened grip strength, pain or numbness in the fingers, burning, and tingling, especially in the index or middle finger and thumb, and selling in the fingers. Treatment for carpal tunnel focuses on reducing the nerve compression with a combination of rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. If this fails, splinting is an option as are injections of anti-inflammatories or even stem cells. Many patients opt for minimally invasive carpal tunnel release and find relief from their pain and other symptoms from this simple surgical procedure. Our orthopedic specialists are available for consultation on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or other injury involving the shoulder elbow wrist knee or other bones and joints.