Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
A type of nerve pressure in the wrist caused by the narrowing of the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a passageway containing the median nerve, which controls movement and feeling in the hand.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be caused by the following:
- Repetitive motion, such as typing or any action that requires your hands to be lower than your wrist
- Certain medical conditions, like hypothyroidism, obesity, diabetes or arthritis
- Pregnancy
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Hand pain
- A burning or tingling sensation felt in the palm of the hand and fingers
- Numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers, particularly during the night time
Patients with more severe cases may experience the following symptoms:
- Slower nerve impulses
- Numb fingers
- Loss of strength and coordination, particularly with the ability to use thumbs or to pinch
- Permanent muscle damage and loss of function
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis
Our hand specialists can determine if your hand pain is caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Request an appointment to be seen by an Oneida Health hand specialist as soon as possible. Our specialists will start with a physical examination during which they will perform a series of tests to determine whether you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If necessary, your doctor may order additional tests such as a nerve conduction velocity test, electromyogram, MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Our hand specialists can develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Your doctor may recommend:
- Ice
- Rest
- Wearing a brace
- Taking routine breaks for hand stretches can help with wrist pain related to carpal tunnel
- Making changes to your work station or workday routine
- Alternate between hands when working on certain tasks
- Good posture, with patients avoiding rolling their shoulders forward, can also help to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
- Steroids
- Physical Therapy
- Yoga
- Surgery, if necessary