Treatments For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common health condition that causes tingling, pain, and numbness in the hand and forearm. This syndrome occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves that runs into the hand, is compressed.
Carpal tunnel syndrome tends to get worse over time, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious dysfunction and loss of sensation in the area. This is why getting diagnosed and starting your treatment early is important. Some symptoms to be on the lookout for include:
- Pain or numbness in the hand
- Weakness when gripping objects
- Tingling feeling in the hand
- Swollen or burning sensations in the fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle finger.
- Pain and numbness that is worsened at night, interrupting sleep
Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treating any carpal tunnel symptoms early on is important to ensure the best results and healing. Some simple treatments you can utilize when symptoms first start to appear include:
- Take more breaks to rest your hands throughout the day.
- Avoid any activities that seem to make the symptoms worse.
- Apply cold packs to reduce any swelling.
If the symptoms progress, other treatment options your doctor might recommend include:
- Wrist splinting – Wearing a wrist splint while sleeping to hold it in place can protect the median nerve and reduce feelings of numbness and pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Pain-relieving medications can help manage pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Corticosteroids – Your doctor may inject a cortisone shot into the carpal tunnel to help relieve pressure.
- Surgery – If the symptoms are severe, surgery can be used to cut the ligament that is applying pressure to the median nerve. Your doctor may recommend an endoscopic surgery, meaning a tiny camera is attached to an endoscope to see the carpal tunnel and cut the ligament. Alternatively, they may decide open surgery is best, where they make an incision in the palm of the hand to free the nerve.
For exceptional orthopaedic care, contact Orthopaedic Specialty Group!
It’s crucial to seek expert medical treatment if you struggle with problems or pain associated with your bones or joints. Give the professionals at Orthopaedic Specialty Group a call at (203) 337-2600, and let us know how we can help you! Don’t let that pain hold you back from living your life. Your health and safety are our top priority.