Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. This nerve runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist. This pressure can stem from several factors:

  1. Repetitive Hand Use: Repeating the same hand and wrist movements can lead to swelling and pressure on the nerve. This is common in professions or activities that require prolonged or repetitive hand use, such as typing, sewing, or assembly line work.
  2. Wrist Position: Activities or positions that involve extreme flexion or extension of the wrist can increase pressure on the nerve.
  3. Anatomical Differences: Some people have a smaller carpal tunnel, which can make them more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. Fractures or trauma to the wrist can also deform the space, increasing the risk.
  4. Health Conditions: Various medical conditions can contribute, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause.
  5. Heredity: There is some evidence to suggest that carpal tunnel syndrome may be hereditary, which could be due to the anatomical traits related to the carpal tunnel's size and shape.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically develop gradually and can include:

  • Numbness, tingling, and pain: These sensations usually affect the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring fingers. The sensation of tingling can often feel like pins and needles.
  • Shock-like sensations: These can radiate to the thumb and fingers, sometimes extending up to the arm.
  • Weakness in the hand: You may experience a decrease in grip strength, which can make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks.
  • Frequent dropping of objects: Due to weakness, numbness, or a decrease in hand coordination, there might be a tendency to drop things held in the hand.
  • Worsening symptoms at night: Many people find that their symptoms come on or worsen at night, which can disturb sleep.

These symptoms often begin intermittently and can be triggered or exacerbated by activities that involve wrist motion or holding the wrist in an awkward position. As the condition progresses, the symptoms can become more constant and severe, potentially leading to muscle wasting at the base of the thumb if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to alleviate the symptoms and prevent long-term damage to the nerve.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Anatomical differences, such as a naturally smaller carpal tunnel or wrist injuries that deform the space, can elevate the risk, with women being particularly susceptible possibly due to generally smaller carpal tunnels.

Conditions that cause nerve damage, like diabetes, or those that induce inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also put pressure on the median nerve.

Obesity is a significant risk factor, and changes in body fluid levels, common during pregnancy and menopause, can increase pressure within the carpal tunnel.

Workplace factors play a role too; jobs or activities involving repetitive wrist motion, prolonged hand use, or exposure to vibration from tools or machinery can heighten the risk.

Additionally, other health conditions such as hypothyroidism and kidney failure, along with hormonal changes during menopause, can increase susceptibility to carpal tunnel syndrome. Recognizing these risk factors is key for early intervention and prevention.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Options

Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome range from conservative approaches to surgical interventions, depending on the severity and persistence of symptoms. Initially, wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, can help maintain the wrist in a neutral position, relieving pressure on the median nerve and easing symptoms.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can reduce pain and inflammation, although they do not address the compression of the nerve directly.

For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections can be administered to decrease inflammation and swelling, providing temporary relief.

Modifying activities that exacerbate the symptoms is also essential; this might include making ergonomic adjustments at the workplace or taking regular breaks to rest the hand. Physical therapy can be beneficial as well, with exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the wrist and hand muscles, thus improving mobility and reducing pressure on the nerve.

If conservative treatments fail and symptoms persist or worsen, surgery may be required. The most common surgical procedure is carpal tunnel release, which involves severing the ligament that forms the roof of the tunnel to alleviate pressure on the median nerve. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent nerve damage and ensure the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Early signs include numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the fingers or hand, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often noticeable at night.

7 Convenient Houston Locations

Bellaire

4747 Bellaire Blvd. Ste. 150
Bellaire, TX 77401
Phone: (281) 315-8130
Fax: (281) 315-8131
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Cleveland

314 South San Jacinto Ave
Cleveland, TX 77327
Phone: (936) 571-0508
Fax: (281) 763-2706
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Conroe

506 Medical Center Blvd. Ste. 100
Conroe, TX 77304
Phone: (936)-571-0508
Fax: (281) 763-2706
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Cypress

27700 Northwest Fwy. Ste. 580
Cypress, TX 77433
Phone (346) 345-2400
Fax (346) 345-2401
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Houston

522 Timberdale Ln.Houston, TX 77090

Phone: (281) 315-8130
Fax: (281) 315-8131
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Huntsville

130 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste. 5
Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: (936) 571-0508
Fax: (281) 763-2706
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

The Woodlands

9319 Pinecroft Dr. Ste. 100 & 210
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Phone: (346) 345-2400
Fax: (346) 345-2401
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM