Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve. That nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, is squeezed (or compressed) in the wrist area, causing symptoms that include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Pain
• Weakness

Symptoms appear in your wrist, hand, or both. Sometimes, symptoms radiate (shoot) up your arm.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel often develops due to repetitive hand movements, including typing or using tools, that put pressure on the median nerve.

Other factors, like wrist injuries, arthritis, or hormone imbalance, can also contribute. 

Anatomical factors can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, if you have naturally small and narrow wrist bones, there’s less space around your median nerve. That leaves you more susceptible to nerve compression in your wrist.

How do doctors diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?

The CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center team diagnoses carpal tunnel syndrome with a thorough symptom exam, a medical history review, and sometimes, imaging tests or nerve and muscle tests.

Can I avoid surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome? 

The team strongly advocates a nonsurgical approach to carpal tunnel syndrome. The team has determined that a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing conservative and advanced approaches, is ideal for many people with carpal tunnel. Your treatment can include:

• Wrist splinting
• Physical therapy
• Injection therapy, including corticosteroid and anesthetic injections
• Alternative approaches like acupuncture and biofeedback

The goal is to treat your carpal tunnel pain at its root to improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In most cases, no surgery is required.

What is injection therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome like?

Injection therapy is done in a state-of-the-art CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center office. The team often uses ultrasound or other imaging to ensure ideal needle placement.

You might feel some mild stinging from the anesthetic or a sensation of pressure during the treatment. But the process is generally quick, and any discomfort fades quickly. It’s well worth a little discomfort, as relief can last as long as six months.

At CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center, the pain management specialists understand the damaging effects of carpal tunnel syndrome. They’re here to make your life easier so that you can live your life to the fullest again. Call the office nearest you or click the online scheduler to arrange a consultation now.