Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness and tingling in the hand and arm. This is caused by squeezing a nerve as it goes through the wrist. The condition can occur in any part of the body where nerves pass through narrow spaces, but it often happens in your wrist.

This syndrome is thought to affect 2.7-5.8% of adults in the general population, with a lifetime risk of 10-15%. This condition is more common in people who have certain occupations that put them at risk.

This syndrome is more common in women, with a female-to-male ratio of 2-5:1, and usually occurs between ages 36 and 60.

What is it?

It is a disorder of the hand caused by constant pressure on the median nerve. This nerve passes through a narrow, bony tunnel in your wrist that you can feel as you run your fingers down the inside of your forearm. If this area becomes swollen or inflamed, it may pinch the median nerve and cause tingling and numbness in your hand.

Symptoms

Symptoms of this syndrome include:

• Pain, numbness, and tingling in hand and wrist
• Pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers

Risk Factors

Since the carpal tunnel is one of the most commonly injured parts of the body, it is important to know the risk factors for developing this condition. Every individual experiences these risk factors differently. Some risk factors are:

• Repetitive activities, in which the wrists remain continuously motionless for long periods.
• Work stress
• Obesity
• Age – The risk increases with age
• Family history – If several family members have carpal tunnel syndrome, a person is more likely to have the disorder.
• Certain diseases – People who have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, or who are pregnant are at a higher risk
• Certain types of injuries

Diagnosis and Tests

1. X Rays

X-rays of your fingers and wrist may show calcium deposits in the carpal tunnel, which indicate that you have this type of syndrome.

2. CT Scan

A CT scan or MRI is another diagnostic test that can show whether you have a herniated disc at the base of your palm.

3. Tinel’s sign Test

Tinel’s sign is a way to test whether you have syndrome of carpal tunnel by feeling numbness and tingling on the underside of your forearm where it meets the backside of your hand.

4. Phalen’s test

Phalen’s test checks for nerve compression in both wrists by extending both arms parallel with shoulders while keeping wrists straight; this position should cause mild discomfort in people with mild cases (but no pain).

Who is at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome?

You are at a higher risk of developing syndrome of carpal tunnel if you:

• Are you female. Women are most likely to develop this syndrome than men.
• Perform repetitive hand movements, such as typing on a keyboard or playing a musical instrument.
• Have diabetes, thyroid disease, or another medical condition that causes swelling in the body (edema).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment methods

Medication

Suppose you have mild syndrome, and your doctor thinks it can be treated with medication. In that case, he or she may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen. The advantage of this type of medicine is that it’s safe to take throughout the day. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroid injections or a blood pressure medication called clonidine.

Surgery

If medications don’t work for you, surgery may be an option for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery usually involves cutting your wrist to make more room around the median nerve so that it has less pressure. The two main surgeries are carpal tunnel release surgery and carpal tunnel decompression surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

In this procedure (also known as open tenosynovectomy), one end of each transverse carpal ligament is cut away from its attachment to bones in your wrist; then, all three tendons are freed up from surrounding tissue so they won’t press against nerves anymore when flexing/extending wrists.”

How can I prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?

• Wear a wrist splint. If you have it, you may benefit from wearing a wrist splint to limit the range of motion in the affected hand (the hand with symptoms).
• Avoid repetitive hand movements. Repetitive hand movements can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, so try to avoid them as much as possible.
• Avoid sleeping with your wrists bent overnight. This position is known as “nighttime collapse,” It contributes greatly to nighttime carpal tunnel pain because it causes pressure on the median nerve at night while you sleep.

Carpal tunnel syndrome exercises

You can use these exercises to prevent this syndrome and relieve symptoms.

Wrist exercises:

Place your hand on a table with all fingers straight and together. Slowly move your wrist side to side, using the table as resistance. Repeat ten times, several times a day, until symptoms improve.

Finger exercises:

Extend one finger in front of you so that it is straight and pointing straight up or down, but not spread out sideways or bent back at the knuckle of your thumb (see image). Hold each position for five seconds before moving on to the next finger; repeat this sequence three times for each hand daily until symptoms subside.

Hand exercises:

Open and close your hands over and over again repeatedly in various ways — from making fists all the way up through full extension — as if you were opening jars (see image). Hold each position for five seconds before moving on to another; repeat this sequence three times daily until symptoms subside.

How much does it cost to treat carpal tunnel surgery in Southlake, TX?

An operation for carpal tunnel syndrome can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 or even more. This usually includes initial visits to the Doctor, x-rays, the operation itself, and any physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Conclusion

This type of syndrome can usually be treated without surgery. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment course, but it will most likely involve rest and a few exercises to stretch your wrist. If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, do not hesitate to seek help from an expert. We have many highly trained doctors ready to assist you in getting back on track with your life.

FAQS

Does carpal tunnel syndrome have a long recovery?

The recovery time for this syndrome can vary from person to person, but it typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The severity of the condition will affect how long it will take for you to recover.

What is the success rate for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery?

The success rate of carpal tunnel surgery depends on the severity of your case and whether you’re young or old. In general, carpal tunnel surgery is a safe and effective procedure. On average, around 90% of people who undergo carpal tunnel release surgery experience improvement in their symptoms after surgery.

How often is hand pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome?

This syndrome is the most common cause of hand pain. It is a space in the wrist where tendons, nerves, and blood vessels pass through to reach your hand. If this space becomes too narrow because of swelling or inflammation, it can pinch the nerves and cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in your fingers.

How do I know if I have carpal tunnel syndrome?

You may have syndrome of carpal tunnel if you experience:

Pain, numbness, and tingling in your hand or fingers. These symptoms usually occur in hands most often used for daily activities.

Does carpal tunnel go away?

It does not go away on its own. It can be treated and prevented, but it often requires surgery to fully resolve the issue.

What triggers carpal tunnel?

It can be triggered by a combination of factors. Some of the most common causes include:

• Stress,
• Overuse,
• Injury and previous surgery in the wrist area,
• Diseases such as diabetes and thyroid conditions that affect the nerves in your hands and arms,
• Medications like blood pressure medicine (antihypertensives) and anti-seizure medicine.

How long does it take for carpal tunnel syndrome to heal?

It is a condition that can be difficult to treat. It often takes 6-12 weeks for a patient to begin feeling pain relief, but there is no guarantee of complete healing. For some patients, it may take up to a year before they can fully recover from carpal tunnel syndrome.

What will happen if carpal tunnel syndrome is not treated?

The condition may worsen if you do not receive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. It can also cause permanent damage to your hands and arms.

Is heat good for carpal tunnel?

Heat is a safe and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. It can help relax muscles, reduce inflammation and pain, and decrease swelling.

Heat therapy can also be used at home or work by using a heat wrap or hot pack placed on the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times per day for two weeks or more until symptoms improve.

Does massage help carpal tunnel?

• Massage can help reduce pain and swelling, but it doesn’t treat the underlying problem.
• Massage can help you relax and sleep better.
• Massage can help you feel more energetic.
• Massage can help you feel less stressed or anxious.

Best Doctor to get Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Southlake, TX

If you are looking for the best Doctor to get Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Southlake, TX, you should check out Dr. Eric I. Ray. He is a highly experienced and skilled doctor who has been helping patients with this condition for many years.

Southlake Pain Center is the best pain management Center in Southlake, TX. We specialize in providing revolutionary treatments for patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.