Do you experience numbness or tingling in your hands after working for long periods of time? If that is your case, you may need to consult a specialist in carpal tunnel syndrome in Houston, Texas. Seeking immediate treatment is critical to prevent severe symptoms. J. Michael Bennett, MD, PA, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and provides exceptional care through state-of-the-art treatments, enhancing your health. Contact the office today or book online for your consultation.
Table of Contents
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that results from the compression of the median nerve, a major nerve on your hand. A carpal tunnel is a narrow pathway with bones and ligaments along with it on your palm. When the ligament exerts pressure on the median nerve, it may lead to numbness and tingling in your hand or arm.
Symptoms
When having carpal tunnel syndrome, the symptoms develop slowly and may appear from time to time. The problem may start with numbness or tingling in some fingers, such as the index finger, thumb, middle, or ring finger. You may also experience numbness in your wrist and arm. The symptoms usually erupt when holding objects.
It is also possible to experience weakness in your hand to the extent of dropping things when holding them. It would be best if you seek medical assistance when your symptoms affect your daily activities or sleep.
Causes
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to compression or the irritation of the median nerve. Some of the aspects that may cause or increase your risk of having carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Injuries like wrist fractures.
- Conditions that cause nerve damage, e.g., diabetes.
- Having a small carpal tunnel, especially in women.
- Work-related factors such as working with vibrating tools and computer use.
- Body fluid changes present during pregnancy and menopause.
- Being overweight may also put you at risk of the problem.
Treatment
During your consultation with Dr. Bennett, he reviews your symptoms and medical history and recommends an ideal treatment method. They may include:
- Medications to alleviate the inflammation.
- Wrist splinting.
- Corticosteroid injections.
Other options may include:
- Exercising your wrists and hands.
- Taking breaks in between tasks involving your hands.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Keeping your hands warm.
When your symptoms are severe or persistent even after treatment, surgery may be necessary. Surgery helps reduce pressure on the median nerve. It may occur in two forms.
- Endoscopic surgery where your provider uses a telescope with a tiny camera to enhance vision in your carpal tunnel. The surgeon then makes small incisions on your ligament to release pressure. This type of surgery is less painful compared to open surgery.
- Open surgery involves the surgeon cutting through your palm over the carpal tunnel to the ligament to reduce the median nerve compression.
Bottom Line
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves the numbness or tingling of your hand and arms down to your fingers except for the little finger. The symptoms develop slowly and may disrupt your daily activities. Immediate treatment is appropriate to avoid serious symptoms.
If you are experiencing numbness in your arm, consult Dr. Bennet today for an effective treatment.