Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an unfortunate condition that affects the hands and wrists and has the potential to create significant physical and mental distress. Managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms is essential for those afflicted to maintain their quality of life. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by small bones called carpal bones. It contains the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the fingers and thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome is aptly named to refer to the pain that occurs when undue pressure is placed on this median nerve of the wrist.
If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, this guide can help you properly manage this condition and improve your hand and wrist functionality.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops through various means. The most common source is repetitive stress and strain on the wrists and hands. Accordingly, people of many different professions are vulnerable to developing this syndrome. Carpal tunnel is a prevalent syndrome that affects thousands of people each year in the United States.
Carpal tunnel arises when a part of the hand, known as the meridian nerve, is irritated. This nerve plays a significant role in the normal functioning of the hands and fingers. One of the primary dangers of untreated carpal tunnel syndrome is that the meridian nerve can become permanently damaged and disrupt fine motor skills.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel has the potential to express itself in several different ways and can vary heavily from patient to patient. Some of the more common symptoms of carpal tunnel include:
- Pain in your wrist and hands
- Tingling sensations
- Trouble using your hands to perform everyday tasks
- Numbness in the wrists, hands, or fingers
These symptoms tend to develop slowly, and many patients will not notice that they are occurring until the syndrome has become very severe. Patients typically report that symptoms are more noticeable and painful at night. This spike in pain at night is likely because of the reduced blood flow that comes with sleep and rest. The reduced blood flow, in turn, makes the median nerve more sensitive to pressure and leads to an uptick in carpal tunnel pain.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by extra pressure being placed on the median nerve. This additional pressure can arise from a variety of sources. Some of the common causes of median nerve pressure and resulting carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Wrist fractures
- Ganglion cysts
- Repetitive strain injuries
These types of injuries are more common in some professions as opposed to others. You might find yourself susceptible to developing carpal tunnel if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Individuals older than 40
- Pregnant individuals
- People who use power tools consistently
- People who do repetitive motions with their hands and wrists
- Musicians and artists
- Individuals who have relatives with carpal tunnel syndrome
In addition, certain medical conditions can make an individual more susceptible to developing carpal tunnel. Such conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Amyloidosis
- Gout
- Hyperthyroidism
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In order to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, a series of tests can be employed to identify whether it or another condition is at play. These tests include:
- X-rays
- Phalen’s test
- Electromyography
- Ultrasound
- Tinel’s sign
- MRI
If your physician indeed determines that you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, there are several treatment options available. Treatments include:
- Physical therapy
- Wearing a splint
- Adjusting your posture and working environment
- Corticosteroids
- Over-the-counter medications
- Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
Recovery Period from Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Which of the above methods of treatment are employed in your situation will depend on the specifics surrounding your case of carpal tunnel and the severity of your particular instance.
In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, you will have to undergo some medical examination to determine whether or not you are healthy enough to receive surgery. Should you be approved, the surgery functions as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home the same day. You should begin to feel better a few weeks following your surgery. Most patients can expect to fully recover from the effects of their surgery within two months of the initial procedure. You can discuss specifics with your physician prior to the procedure.
Finding Solutions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Dr. Yashar is a neurosurgeon in Los Angeles who truly understands the nuances of working with patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you are suffering from this unfortunate condition and would like to discuss your treatment options with a professional, contact our office today.
