Everything You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel Treatment

April 28, 2022 2:42 pm Published by

Have you noticed frequent tingling or numbness in your hand, fingers or wrist? You shouldn’t ignore these symptoms, as they could be signs of a common condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. If it’s detected early enough, the good news is that you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Carpal tunnel treatment options are available that can cure the condition or greatly improve symptoms.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage of ligaments and bones at the base of your hand that holds your tendons and median nerve that allow you to move your hand, wrist and fingers. If the tendons or surrounding tissues become irritated, they can swell and squeeze the nerve. This can lead to symptoms that affect the use of your hand.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel include:

  • Difficulty grasping objects
  • Numbness, tingling and pain in the hand, thumb and fingers
  • Pain or tingling that radiates up the forearm
  • Shock-like sensations in the thumb and fingers
  • Weakness in the hand

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

A variety of factors can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome:

  • Disease: Health conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disorders are linked to carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Genetics: Some people have smaller carpal tunnels than others, a trait that can run in families.
  • Hand/wrist positioning: Doing activities that extend the hand or wrist can compress the nerve.
  • Pregnancy: Swelling can cause the carpal tunnel to narrow.
  • Repetitive use of hand: Regularly doing activities that require repeated hand and wrist movements can irritate the tendons and cause swelling.

Carpal Tunnel Treatment Options

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually comes on gradually and worsens over time. Seek treatment early to prevent permanent damage to the nerve. If the carpal tunnel syndrome is detected early enough, nonsurgical treatments might be options. These include:

  • Adjusting your activities so you are not extending your wrist for prolonged periods of time.
  • Exercising your hand and wrist.
  • Getting cortisone injections.
  • Taking anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or naproxen.
  • Wearing a brace or splint.

If your symptoms are severe and the above treatments do not provide relief, your doctor might recommend surgery. Carpal tunnel release involves cutting a ligament to release the pressure on the median nerve. Surgeons can perform this as an open procedure or a minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions.

How Long Is Recovery After Surgery?

Some pain and swelling after surgery are normal. You may need to wear a splint or brace for a few weeks, but you’ll be able to use your hand for non-strenuous activities, such as driving and light lifting.

For most people, grip and pinch strength return about two to three months after surgery. Other symptoms will improve gradually and may take up to a year to disappear fully. For people with severe cases, recovery is slower, and some mild symptoms might remain permanently.

 

Experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome? Make an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist.

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This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center