Carpal-Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome is normally felt as numbness and tingling of the hand. This medical condition occurs by the pressure on the median nerve (pinched nerve.) The median nerve runs the length of the arm. And it goes through a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel. Then, it ends in the hand. The condition should not be taken lightly. It affects 3% to 6% of Americans. The average age is between 18 – 64 each year.

Certain conditions put you at risks. Such as:

  • obesity
  • hypothyroidism
  • arthritis
  • diabetes
  • trauma

Furthermore, repetitive motions, such as, typing can also lead to the condition. In fact, it’s normal for no single cause to be identified.

A timely diagnosis and proper treatment can relieve symptoms and restore their function. If you are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome, call our specialists at 888-409-8006. Our physicians at Spine & Orthopedic center are located throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties. Including, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, and Plantation.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Carpal tunnel symptoms typically start gradually. Most patients start feeling tingling and/or numbness in the palm and the fingers. This is especially true for the thumb, index and middle fingers. However, some affected by this condition have complained of discomfort in the wrist and the palm. Also, loss of sensation of swollen fingers, even though little or no swelling is apparent.

Common symptoms are as follows:

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the thumb and fingers
  • A sensation, such as, an electric shock is felt
  • Pain and discomfort in the forearm or upper arm
  • Loss of grip strength and manual dexterity
  • Weakness in the hand and a tendency to drop objects

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Treatments should begin as early as possible. However, if moderate symptoms are experienced, wrist splinting can help. In fact, for severe symptoms, surgery should be considered to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.

Wrist splinting

It is common for your physician to recommend a wrist splint. As a matter of fact, it’s considered helpful to sleep with the splint on at night. However, during activity known for causing stress it has been also proven beneficial. Splinting is a good option for pregnant patients, too.

Corticosteroids

Cortisone injections reduce inflammation and swelling. In fact, they are often effective for temporary relief. These injections are performed under  ultrasound guidance.

Surgery

When symptoms are severe, surgery should be considered. The most common procedure is carpal tunnel release. This involves severing a ligament around the wrist. For the purpose of, reducing pressure on the median nerve.

There are two ways to perform this surgery, such as:

  1. Endoscopic surgery – The surgeon severs the carpal ligament through one or two small incisions in the wrist and palm. Therefore, providing a better view of the carpal tunnel with help from a microscope-like camera.
  2. Open surgery – This is the traditional procedure where the surgeon makes an incision (up to 2 inches) in the wrist to cut the carpal ligament. However, it is done to widen the tunnel. The being said, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.