Repetitive activities such as typing or repeatedly moving your wrist may contribute to hand fatigue and make you vulnerable to carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms worsen as the disease progresses, but early detection prevents debilitating symptoms. The East Brunswick carpal tunnel experts at Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP, offer effective treatments that guarantee dramatic relief from your symptoms.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a severe disorder that results in weakness, pain, tingling, and numbness in your wrist and hand. It develops there is extreme pressure at the point where the median nerve passes over your carpal bones. The median nerve gives sensation to your middle finger, index, and thumb. The carpal tunnel is a narrow tube in your wrist that allows your tendons and compression nerve to connect your forearm and hand.
How can you know that you have carpal tunnel syndrome?
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are usually mild initially, but they worsen as the disease progresses. You may experience the following:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling sensation
- Weakness in your hand
- Shock-like sensations
You may experience these symptoms in your palm, wrist, and fingers except the pinky finger. The compression does not give your pinky finger sensations, meaning that you may not experience carpal tunnel symptoms in that particular finger.
What are the causative factors of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of median nerve compression. They include:
- Medical conditions
Fractures, nerve-damaging conditions such as diabetes, and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Obesity can also cause the compression of your median nerve.
- Hand and wrist movement
Using vibrating equipment overworking your hands and wrists increases your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. People whose occupation requires flexing their hands repeatedly, such as those operating the assembly line, are also at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Wrist size
The anatomy of your wrist also determines the chances of you getting carpal tunnel syndrome. Smaller wrists are more vulnerable to this disease than people with large wrists. Women have smaller wrists than men, making them more vulnerable to this disorder. The professional team at Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP reviews your family and medical history to determine the factors contributing to your health condition.
What are the treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Constant visits to your orthopedic specialist can lead to early detection, increasing the chances of your treatment succeeding. Your provider may recommend conservative treatments like physical therapy, bracing, steroid injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity changes at the beginning of your treatment. If traditional care fails to give the expected results or if your health condition is severe, your provider may suggest carpal tunnel release. This surgical procedure involves widening your carpal tunnel to minimize pressure and alleviate your symptoms. Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP often uses arthroscopic surgery for this treatment.
To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome, call the Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP office or schedule your appointment on the website.
