Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) usually manifests itself as tingling, numbness, or pain in parts of the hand. Sometimes you’re unable to move your thumb, index, and middle fingers properly. Sometimes the symptoms go away without treatment. However, the best way to avoid carpal tunnel is by taking precautions to prevent it in the first place. This is especially important if you work in an office, or any job that involves repetitive use of your wrists.
However, if you are worried about pain you’re currently experiencing, the carpal tunnel specialists at the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson can diagnose and treat CTS. Located in Henderson, Nevada, our skilled practitioners can relieve you of pain and show you ways to prevent carpal tunnel from progressing.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that develops in your hand when tissues that surround tendons in the wrist place pressure on the median nerve. Those tissues, called synovium tissues, are responsible for keeping tendons lubricated to make hand and wrist movement possible.
When the synovium tissues swell, they eventually crowd the median nerve. If your median nerve becomes compressed, you can experience tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and arm.
Activities or jobs requiring repetitive finger movement put people at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. This often includes people working office jobs, which require a lot of typing.
Though it’s most commonly associated with office work, many different activities can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. You may be at risk if your job tasks include repetitive vibrations and extreme wrist motions (like using a jackhammer). In addition to long term use of hands and fingers, these factors can also lead to the development of CTS:
Further, CTS is more common in women than in men.
If you’re worried about getting CTS or experiencing pain or numbness, these simple exercises can help. These movements may relieve or prevent pain, plus you can practice them without leaving your desk or office.
Overstressing and improper strain on the wrists can contribute to worsening symptoms. It’s impossible to stop doing your job and other activities, so it’s essential to avoid excessive strain on the hand and wrist.
In addition to these exercises, you can wear a splint at night. You can also use ergonomic keyboards with a raised and curved keyboard to prevent discomfort.
First, a specialist reviews your medical history and examines your hand and wrist, checking for tingling, numbness, or pain in your fingers. The doctor might also check for weakness in the muscles around your thumb.
Our experts may use electrophysiological tests to check on your median nerve. Some treatments for CTS include:
The doctor may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery if your carpal tunnel syndrome is severe or does not improve with treatment. Treating CTS is far easier when we catch it early. Call the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson today or request an appointment online.
