What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel or passageway in the wrist that holds important structures of the hand. It holds the nerves, blood vessels and tendons that help control and coordinate hand movement.
Because the tunnel is a small space, it is particularly vulnerable to changes that make the space even smaller. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs from compression of the median nerve within the tunnel. This nerve supplies sensation to much of the hand and controls the muscles of the thumb.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel can start with a sensation of pain or numbness in the hand. Other common symptoms include:
- Tingling in the hand and fingers. This sensation may travel up the arm
- Pain or difficulty holding, gripping or grasping an item
- Nighttime numbness
- Gradual weakness and atrophy of hand muscles
Who gets carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common with:
- Progressing age
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Pregnancy
- Inflammatory conditions
- Possibly from activities:
- Repetitive hand and wrist activities
- Vibratory tool use
What are the treatments of carpal tunnel syndrome?
At Avid Sports Medicine, we use an ultrasound to directly visualize the nerves in the hand, looking for changes in size that suggest carpal tunnel.
Treatment options focus on conservative and minimally invasive techniques that will be tailored to your own circumstances. This can include:
- Wrist splints
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Therapeutic exercises
- Activity modifications
- Steroid injections
In some cases, to avoid or treat permanent changes in the nerve, surgical intervention may be required. If so, we can help to coordinate this step and assist with recovery.
What’s Next?
Schedule your free consultation to evaluate your individual circumstances. During this call you’ll speak directly with Dr. Jow, our sports medicine physician. While we can’t give out specific advice until you become a patient, we can discuss your issue and determine if Avid is the best fit for you. If an in-person visit is recommended, we will schedule it right away.