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What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the carpal tunnel of the wrist, an area containing tendons and the median nerve. Your carpal tunnel runs through the forearm to your hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome often causes disabling discomfort in the carpal tunnel due to compression. Fortunately, treatment at the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine offers effective, long-lasting relief.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness in the hand or wrist
- Discomfort
- Pressure in your fingers
- Difficulty sleeping
- Swollen fingers
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Altered sensations in the hand
- Problems completing basic hand functions
The symptoms range in severity from mild to severe. If carpal tunnel syndrome discomfort is ongoing or extreme, visit the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine for an evaluation.
What are the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Factors that increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Repetitive movements
- Hand-arm vibration
- Hand or wrist trauma
- Fractures
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ganglion cysts
- Bone spurs
- Dislocation
- Obesity
- Hypothyroidism
- Being female
Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Avoid long bouts of repetitive hand movements and maintain optimal hand posture to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Make sure your hands are higher than your wrists when typing.
Other things you can do to ease pain and diminish the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome include maintaining a healthy body weight, getting regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and not smoking.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome involves a physical exam and discussing your symptoms and medical history. You might need X-rays, an ultrasound, or nerve studies to allow your specialist to make a final diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Interventional pain management treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome may include:
- Making healthy lifestyle changes
- Wearing a splint
- Receiving carpal tunnel injections
- Taking oral medications
- Doing physical therapy
You might be a candidate for more than one type of treatment, as the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine experts tailor plans that ensure exceptional, long-lasting results.
Schedule a carpal tunnel evaluation at the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.