Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the wrist and hand, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in your wrist. The carpal tunnel is a passageway formed by bones and ligaments. When this tunnel becomes constricted or irritated, the median nerve can become compressed, leading to the symptoms of CTS.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often associated with repetitive hand movements, but it can also result from various factors, such as wrist anatomy, health conditions, or previous injuries.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

The symptoms of CTS can range from mild to severe and may affect one or both hands. Common signs include:

Numbness and Tingling: A sensation of “pins and needles” or loss of feeling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.

Pain: Pain or discomfort that radiates from the wrist up the forearm, and in some cases, even into the shoulder.

Weakness: A feeling of weakness in the hand, especially when gripping objects.

Decreased Dexterity: Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as buttoning clothes or typing.

Risk Factors:

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Repetitive Hand Movements: Frequent and prolonged use of tools or devices that require repetitive wrist motions, such as typing or using a mouse.

Anatomy: Some people naturally have smaller carpal tunnel, making them more susceptible to nerve compression.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to fluid retention, which may increase pressure on the median nerve.

Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, or obesity can increase the risk of developing CTS.

Injury: Previous wrist injuries, such as fractures or sprains, can alter the shape of the carpal tunnel and lead to CTS.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Proper diagnosis is essential to confirm Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and rule out other conditions. If you experience symptoms of CTS, it’s essential to schedule an evaluation with a healthcare provider. During your consultation, your doctor will perform a thorough examination, which may include:

Medical History Review: A detailed history of your symptoms, work activities, and any underlying health conditions.

Physical Examination: Your doctor may perform tests, such as the Tinel’s sign or Phalen’s maneuver, which can provoke symptoms to help identify CTS.

Nerve Conduction Studies: This test measures the speed of electrical impulses traveling through the median nerve to assess the degree of nerve compression.

Imaging Tests: In some cases, ultrasound or X-ray may be used to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as fractures or arthritis.

A comprehensive evaluation will allow your doctor to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your condition.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms. In most cases, non-surgical treatments are effective, but if symptoms persist or worsen, surgery may be considered.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

Wrist Splints: Wearing a splint, especially at night, can help keep the wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the median nerve.

Activity Modifications: Reducing repetitive movements or adjusting your workstation setup can alleviate strain on your wrist.

Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve wrist mobility and reduce nerve compression.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Ergonomic Adjustments: Modifying your work environment to support proper wrist positioning can prevent further strain.

Surgical Treatment:

It’s important to note that while these treatments can be effective, they also carry potential risks and complications. Your doctor can discuss these with you in detail and help you weigh the benefits against the risks to make the best decision for your health. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be recommended. The most common procedure is carpal tunnel release, where a surgeon cuts the ligament pressing on the median nerve to relieve pressure and restore normal function. Depending on your specific case, this can be done through traditional open surgery or a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure.

Why Choose Orlando Neurosurgery?

At Orlando Neurosurgery, we are committed to providing expert care for patients suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Our board-certified neurosurgeons and healthcare team, which includes [mention specific roles and qualifications of other team members], specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the nervous system, including CTS. We understand the impact that hand and wrist pain can have on quality of life, and we offer personalized treatment plans designed to relieve symptoms and restore function.

Here’s why patients choose Orlando Neurosurgery:

Expert Care: Our neurosurgeons have performed more than 20,000 procedures and have decades of experience treating chronic neck and spine conditions for patients of all ages, backgrounds, and activity levels.

Latest Technology: At Orlando Neurosurgery, we utilize the most state-of-the-art technology available to treat patients. This often means patients recover quicker and with less pain compared to traditional surgical techniques.

Trusted by Patients: Rated 4+ stars out of 5 on Google and most online review services, every member of our team is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to those we serve.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with our expert team at Orlando Neurosurgery today. You can easily book an appointment. This will allow you to explore your treatment options and get back to living pain-free.