Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when your median nerve –– a nerve that provides sensations to your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers –– gets compressed by your wrist. Without treatment, the pressure causes tingling, numbness, and weakness, affecting your hand strength and quality of life.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Tingling in the fingers
• Decreased feeling in the fingertips
• Difficulty grasping objects
• Difficulty writing or using a keyboard
• Weakness in the hands

As the condition worsens, you might also start dropping things or have difficulty making routine motions, like buttoning your shirt.

When should I see a specialist about carpal tunnel syndrome?

Make an appointment with the team at the Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine if you develop any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and they don’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain medication. The earlier you seek treatment, the less likely you are to experience lasting complications.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, the team reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. They also conduct several tests, including Tinel’s test and a wrist flexion test.

During Tinel’s test, your provider taps the median nerve on your wrist. If it produces tingling or numbness in your hands or fingers, you likely have carpal tunnel syndrome. 

During a wrist flexion test, you rest your elbows on a table and hang your wrists over the sides. If you experience tingling or numbness in your hands within 60 seconds, you have carpal tunnel syndrome. The team might also order X-rays to rule out other conditions that present similar symptoms, like arthritis.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

The treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on various factors, including your age and the severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, the team recommends conservative treatments, including:

• Wearing a wrist splint
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Corticosteroid injections
• Improving your posture
• Using special tools at work (like an ergonomic keyboard)

If your symptoms persist or worsen, the team might recommend surgery. During carpal tunnel surgery, your provider increases the size of the space in your wrist so there’s room for your median nerve.

To explore the treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, call the Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine or book online today.