Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common and painful condition affecting many individuals. People with carpal tunnel syndrome may feel pain, weakness, and numbness in the wrist and hand. The median nerve runs the length of the arm and goes through a passage in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. Compression of this median nerve is the root cause of carpal tunnel discomfort and pain. As carpal tunnel syndrome worsens, symptoms become more constant.
You can develop carpal tunnel syndrome from everyday activities such as typing, playing a musical instrument, and working with certain tools. Carpal tunnel syndrome may affect one or both hands. The symptoms are usually worse in the evening. It can last months and may disrupt routine activities. Many symptoms can improve with non-surgical treatments, such as pain medication, injections, or wearing a splint at night. In some cases, your physician may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Surprising Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
- Your hands are often cold
- Your symptoms have come on suddenly and out of nowhere
- It is hard to type on the computer
- Your fingers swell or feel stiff
- Buttoning pants and tying shoes may give you problems
- Pain can travel to your elbow
- Unexpectedly dropping things
- Awakening out of sleep with a sore hand
There is no surefire way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. By reducing stress and strain on your hands and wrists as much as possible, you may keep it from getting worse. If you have pain, numbness, and tingling that won't go away or get better in 6 months, it may be time to explore surgical options. If your doctor recommends surgery, working with an OT afterward can help in your recovery and change your habits at work to help you take the strain off your hand and wrists for the future.
Book an appointment with us for an in-depth evaluation of your carpal tunnel and determine if you are a candidate for surgery.
Dr. Daneca DiPaolo is a highly-skilled, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and hand specialist located in Grenada, Mississippi. She offers the newest orthopedic techniques, and she provides quality, compassionate, state of the art orthopedic care. For all appointments and inquiries, please call (662) 227-7794.
