Carpal Tunnel FAQ
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Numbness and tingling of the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
- Pain that goes from the wrist up the arm.
- Weakness and difficulty gripping objects or performing tasks that require fine motor skills.
Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Be Prevented?
Several strategies can help reduce the risk of CTS and manage its symptoms:
- Ergonomic adjustments and ensuring proper hand and wrist positioning during activities.
- Taking regular breaks to rest your hands.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for the wrist and hand.
- Healthy lifestyle choices as excess weight can increase the risk of developing CTS.
Why Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Develop?
- Anatomical predispositions, some people have smaller carpal tunnels that make them prone to developing carpal tunnel.
- Activities that involve repetitive wrist motions and hand movements.
- Health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can increase the risk of developing CTS.
How Is CTS Treated?
Most of the time CTS is a benign condition that can be treated conservatively. Here are some of the most common initial treatments:
- Bracing the wrist: A wrist brace keeps your wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve. It also prevents excessive wrist movement, especially during sleep. By minimizing nerve compression, a brace can help alleviate numbness and tingling.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Ibuprofen and related medications can help reduce swelling around the carpal tunnel while also managing pain and discomfort. While they don’t address the underlying cause, they provide temporary symptom relief.
- Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the carpal tunnel. This can significantly reduce swelling and pressure on the median nerve. Injections can provide longer-lasting relief compared to oral medications, often helping to manage symptoms for several months.
However, if symptoms are left untreated for long enough, the muscles in the hand can become irreparably damaged, and full function may never return. In these cases, our experts at Ashford Orthopedic Specialists recommend a quick 5-minute procedure, carpal tunnel release, which can help decompress the nerve.
Carpal Tunnel in Athens, GA? Visit Ashford Orthopedic Specialists
We know that living with CTS can be painful and debilitating. If your symptoms don’t seem to get better, even when trying non-surgical treatments, make an appointment with Ashford Orthopedics Specialists at our Athens or Loganville practices. Led by William Ashford, MD we are experts at treating hand conditions and will offer you a comprehensive appointment where we will assess your case and you can ask all of your questions. Book an appointment with us online or call us at 706-389-8941
