Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition characterized by increased pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. In other words, it is a pinched nerve at the wrist. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, and pain in the arm, hand, and fingers.
Why is it called carpal tunnel syndrome? Well, there is a space in the wrist called the “carpal tunnel” where the median nerve and nine tendons extend from the forearm into the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure builds up from swelling in this area and puts pressure on the nerve. That’s where the pain comes in. When the nerve pressure eventually increases, you may experience anything from numbness to tingling and/or pain in the fingers and hands.
Thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and several other conditions can also be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. That’s why it’s important to seek a medical professional before jumping to undiagnosed conclusions.
Fortunately, there are a few ways that hand doctors like Dr. Arora diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome in a patient. To start off, providing a detailed list of answers to the questions we listed above will be helpful. Then, Arora Hand Surgery will review your medical history. We may also recommend an X-ray be taken of the affected wrist in order to exclude other causes of pain such as arthritis or a fracture.
In some instances, lab tests may be performed if we suspect there is a medical condition that is associated with CTS. Electrodiagnostic studies (NCV–nerve conduction velocities and EMG–electromyogram), which record and analyze the electrical activity in your muscles, may be done to check for other possible nerve problems.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome have the possibility of improvement without surgery. Our wrist doctor may recommend one or more of the following remedies:
If the symptoms are extreme or do not improve, surgery may be recommended as your next option. The surgery’s objective is to decrease pressure on the nerve by essentially enlarging the tunnel.
The recovery after surgery varies, with most patients healing from the incision soreness between several weeks to months. Eliminating the numbness and/or tingling and regaining your original strength may also take up to several months to achieve. It is important to note that, in extreme and unique cases, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms may not completely go away after surgery. However, this is rare.
If you are experiencing wrist pain, Dr. Arora can evaluate your condition for a thorough diagnosis. Braces for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment are also available right at each of the southeast Michigan offices, and they can be obtained via insurance or by cash pay.
Make an appointment to see him in Warren or Macomb Township in Macomb County, West Bloomfield in Oakland County, or Howell in Livingston County.
