Carpal Tunnel Specialist

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in your wrist. The main nerve that goes to your hand (median nerve) and nine tendons that bend and flex your fingers and thumb travel through this tight tunnel. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve gets pinched. This can occur when the tissues around the tendons swell and put pressure on the nerve. When the nerve is compressed, you may feel pain, tingling, and numbness in your hand and fingers.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Anything that irritates or squeezes the median nerve can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Factors that may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Injuries such as wrist fractures
• Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Nerve-damaging conditions like diabetes
• Increase in fluid retention during pregnancy and menopause
• Workplace factors like holding vibrating tools

You may be more likely to develop this condition if you were born with smaller carpal tunnels. 

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually appear gradually and include:

• Pain, burning, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
• Occasional electric shock-like sensations in fingers
• Pain and numbness that may travel up your arm
• Weakness or clumsiness in the hand

Many people find that shaking out their hands provides temporary relief from carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. 

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed and treated?

First, your provider at Throgs Neck Multi Care, P.C. reviews your medical history and carefully examines your hand and wrist. They may take tests to measure how well your median nerve is functioning, such as a nerve conduction study.

After diagnosing your condition, your provider develops an individualized treatment plan. If your condition is mild, they may recommend non-surgical treatments, such as:

• Splinting or bracing the wrist at night and during activities that irritate it
• Physical therapy exercises
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
• Steroid injections
• Stem cell injections

If your symptoms persist after a period of conservative treatment, Throgs Neck Multi Care, P.C. may recommend surgery. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is easiest to treat when caught early. Call Throgs Neck Multi Care, P.C., or book an appointment online today.