Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist

At Anodyne Pain and Health Group, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you find relief from chronic pain and reclaim your health and vitality. We provide personalized treatment plans that are carefully tailored to your individual needs, utilizing a combination of integrative medicine therapies without the use of opioids or narcotics. Our goal is to address the root cause of your pain rather than simply mask the symptoms, provide lasting relief, and restore your quality of life.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

In today’s fast-paced digital world, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has become a common issue, affecting individuals who engage in repetitive hand movements or maintain prolonged awkward hand positions, especially if you’re typing, gaming, or just swiping through your phone or tablet. It’s also common in laborers and people who work with their hands, such as electricians and carpenters, and commonly reported by musicians and people with hobbies such as sewing, knitting, or beading.

This condition arises when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist, specifically within the carpal tunnel – a narrow passageway in the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments.

What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel?

The onset of carpal tunnel symptoms can be gradual or sudden, and while the presentation may vary among individuals, some common signs include:

Numbness and tingling: These sensations, often described as a “pins and needles” feeling, typically affect the thumb, index, and middle fingers. As the condition progresses, numbness may extend up the arm.

Pain: Inflammation and nerve compression cause pain in the wrist and forearm and can range from mild to severe. It may worsen at night or with activities that involve gripping or fine motor skills.

Weakness: Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience weakness in their hands, making it difficult to perform tasks such as gripping objects, typing, or writing.

Loss of mobility in the hands: Patients with carpal tunnel may drop objects more frequently due to weakness and numbness.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

While repetitive hand movements or prolonged awkward hand positions are major risk factors for developing carpal tunnel, other factors can increase your likelihood of developing symptoms:

Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders, can contribute to inflammation and fluid retention, placing extra pressure on the median nerve.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy can lead to swelling in the wrist, increasing the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Genetics: In some cases, genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

The sooner you bring your symptoms to your provider’s attention, the sooner you’ll see a reduction in symptoms.

Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome typically involves your provider taking an oral history of your symptoms and when they started. They’ll also thoroughly examine the affected hand, wrist, and arm. Your provider may order other tests to confirm the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome and assess its severity:

Nerve conduction studies (NCS): These tests measure the conduction velocity of electrical signals through the median nerve and surrounding muscles.

Electromyography (EMG): This test evaluates the electrical activity of the muscles in the hand and forearm, helping to identify muscle weakness or damage associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

Your provider’s recommendations will depend on how severe your carpal tunnel syndrome is. Generally, conservative measures are considered the first line of treatment. These may include:

Lifestyle modifications: Taking breaks during prolonged tasks, maintaining proper wrist posture, and using ergonomic tools can help reduce pressure on the median nerve.

Wrist splints: Wearing wrist splints, particularly at night, can help keep the wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve and alleviating symptoms.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: These medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen and improve hand and wrist flexibility can help alleviate symptoms and address contributing factors like poor posture.

Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections: These treatments may be prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Do I Need Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

If lifestyle changes don’t relieve symptoms, your provider may recommend surgical intervention, known as carpal tunnel release surgery. This procedure involves severing the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, to release pressure on the median nerve. Carpal tunnel release surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and individuals often experience significant symptom relief after recovery.

How Do I Keep Carpal Tunnel From Getting Worse?

Proactive measures can help reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of those measures include:

Maintain proper wrist posture: Avoid bending or flexing your wrists for extended periods.

Take regular breaks: Break down repetitive tasks into intervals, allowing your hands and wrists to rest.

Maintain hand strength and flexibility: Perform hand and wrist exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.

Use ergonomic tools: Opt for ergonomically designed tools and workstations to reduce stress on your hands and wrists.

Seek early intervention: If you experience carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, consult a healthcare professional promptly for early diagnosis and treatment.

Carpal Tunnel Treatment Near Me

If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. The friendly team at Anodyne is here to help you find relief from your pain and improve your overall health, providing services to the Katy, TX area.

Experience the convenience of comprehensive care at our all-inclusive pain and wellness centers. Eliminate the hassle of traveling to multiple appointments and facilities – we offer a wide range of treatments under one roof, saving you time and effort. Our team of experts works collaboratively to ensure you receive the most effective care possible.

Don’t let chronic pain hold you back from living the life you deserve. Contact Anodyne Pain and Health Group today and discover how we can help you achieve a pain-free future. We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.