Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions. It is caused by extra pressure on the median nerve in the wrist’s carpal tunnel.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually start gradually and can include:
- Tingling and numbness in the wrist, hand, or fingers
- Weakness
- Pain in the wrist, hand, or fingers
- Trouble using hands to hold or control objects
Several factors have been linked to the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Although they may not directly cause carpal tunnel, they may increase the risk of irritation or damage to the median nerve. These include:
- Anatomical factors
- Sex assigned at birth
- Nerve-damaging conditions
- Inflammatory conditions
- Medicines
- Obesity
- Body fluid changes
- Other medical conditions
- Workplace factors
To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, a healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam and other tests that include:
- Tinel’s sign
- Phalen’s test
- X-ray
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- Electromyography
- A nerve conduction study
Healthcare providers treat carpal tunnel syndrome with nonsurgical treatments first. The most common carpal tunnel treatments include:
- Modifying your daily routine
- Supporting and strengthening your wrist
- Taking over-the-counter medication
- Wearing a splint (especially at night)
- Physical therapy
- Changing your posture or working environment
- Corticosteroids
You may need carpal tunnel surgery if nonsurgical treatments don’t relieve symptoms. The goal of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve pressure by cutting the ligament pressing on the median nerve. The three different techniques used in carpal tunnel surgery include:
- Endoscopic surgery
- Open surgery
- Ultrasound-guided surgery
It is best to treat carpal tunnel syndrome as early as possible after symptoms start. There are simple things that you can do for yourself that may help symptoms go away, such as:
- Taking more frequent breaks to rest the hands
- Not doing activities that make symptoms worse
- Using cold packs to reduce swelling
If you have any questions or concerns about carpal tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel surgery, you can receive more detailed information from a doctor at Orthopedic Specialists of New York, located on Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s campus. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6923.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.