Carpal Tunnel Specialists

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Your carpal tunnel is a passageway in your wrist that contains bones, nerves, and ligaments on the palm side of your hand. The median nerve runs through the tunnel and provides sensations to your wrist, hand, and fingers.

When pressure is put on the median nerve for an extended period, it can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and cause a variety of symptoms that interfere with the function of your wrist and hand. 

One of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive movements that irritate and compress the median nerve, like typing on a computer or painting. You may also be at higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to:

• Obesity
• Menopause
• Thyroid disorders
• Inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis

The use of certain medications can also contribute to pressure on the median nerve and carpal tunnel syndrome-related symptoms. 

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Initial symptoms that can indicate you have carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling or numbness in your wrist that radiates into your hand and fingers. These sensations may start as mild and occasional but can progress to severe and persistent.

Your pain may feel like electric shocks that travel up and down your arm. You may find it increasingly difficult to grasp objects with your fingers due to weakness. You might also have to avoid certain movements, like throwing a ball, because of the pain. 

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

For mild carpal tunnel, splinting and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs help relieve your pain so you can function normally. 

Adjustments to your movement patterns and physical therapy help some patients successfully find relief. Dr. Schofield, Dr. Hand, and Dr. Bright may also recommend injecting steroids into the carpal tunnel to relieve the inflammation and ease your pain.

Severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome may require surgery, especially if it won’t resolve with conservative treatments. Carpal tunnel surgery involves cutting the ligament pressing on your median nerve to relieve pressure and restore function and comfort. Dr. Schofield, Dr. Hand, and Dr. Bright are expert surgeons so you can feel at ease in their care. 

If you have pain in your hand and arm that suggests carpal tunnel syndrome, call Schofield, Hand and Bright Orthopaedics or book an appointment online.