What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Suppose you have pain and feel numb in your hand, including the thumb and the first three fingers; you might be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. It affects about 1 in every 3 Americans, and it’s most common in women. It causes weakness in your hands, making it hard for you to hold or grasp things. The carpal tunnel syndrome North Austin specialist at Republic Spine and Pain offers effective pain management techniques to enhance pain relief and promote your living. Here we look more into carpal tunnel syndrome and what it involves.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
A carpal tunnel is a small opening in your wrist where the median nerve extends to your hand. The carpal tunnel includes a solid ring of connective tissue and bone, causing reduced flexibility. When you experience inflammation around your carpal tunnel, it affects the median nerve, causing carpal tunnel syndrome.
You are likely to develop various symptoms from carpal tunnel syndrome, including weakness, numbness, pain, and tingling sensations. The symptoms occur in your hand or may move up to your forearm. The condition makes it difficult for you to hold objects, making you feel weak and awkward.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome worsen during the night and sometimes causes you to wake up. Usually, many people sleep with their hands and wrists wrapped, compressing the nerves.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when inflammation in your wrist constricts the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve. The condition also often occurs due to repetitive use of your hand, including holding your hand in an extended position for long periods.
Carpal tunnel syndrome may also occur due to health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid imbalances. Usually, these conditions trigger the inflammation in your wrist, causing the disease.
What are the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?
During your visit to the Republic Spine and Pain, your provider performs a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms. The team uses advanced techniques for diagnosis and treatments.
They conduct various tests, including Phalen’s and Tinel’s sign tests, to identify whether you have compression on your median nerve. They may also order lab tests, nerve conduction studies, and X-rays to rule out your diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
After diagnosis, your provider designs a customized treatment plan to alleviate the symptoms, including the compression in your wrist. Your treatment option depends on your specific needs and may include the following.
- Medication management
- Physical therapy
- Braces and splints
- Cortisone injections
- Stellate ganglion block
If you do not find relief from the treatments, your provider may suggest surgery to release the pressure on the median nerve. The available surgical procedures include the open release or endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
Pain in your hand may mean a lot of things. But you should not hesitate to call your doctor if your pain comes along with numbness, weakness, and tingling sensations. Contact Republic Spine and Pain today to have a thorough evaluation and treatments.
