Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center

Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgery & Foot and Ankle Surgery located in Shenandoah, Sugarland, and Humble, TX

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition affecting the hands and arms, causing numbness, tingling, and pain. Initially, symptoms may be mild but worsen over time. Early treatment may ease these symptoms and ensure you get the proper care to prevent serious nerve damage. At Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center, the team specializes in diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome. To manage your carpal tunnel syndrome, call the office in Shenandoah, Sugarland, or Humble, Texas, or book an appointment online today.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Q & A

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs from the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist.

The median nerve is one of the primary nerves in your hand, providing sensation to your thumb, little finger, ring finger, middle finger, and pointer finger, and controlling the muscles at the base of your thumb.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow and rigid passageway in your wrist, consisting of bones and the transverse carpal tunnel ligament.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs from narrowing of the carpal tunnel or swelling of the surrounding tissue. These changes limit space for the median nerve, causing nerve compression of the nerve.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen over time. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may have tingling or numbness in your hand when you wake in the morning that goes away when you move your wrist.

However, as the compression worsens, your symptoms may last longer. Your grip may also weaken, making it hard to hold a cup of coffee or turn the knob on a door.

When left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome may cause permanent damage to the median nerve. If you have these symptoms, schedule a consultation at Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center.

What can I expect during an evaluation for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Your provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines your hand and wrist, performing various tests to find the root cause of your symptoms. The team may also request imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or an MRI.

They also perform electrophysiological studies to assess nerve and muscle function. Testing may include a nerve conduction study (NCS) and an electromyogram (EMG).

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms and the extent of nerve damage. Initially, the team at Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center takes a nonsurgical approach, recommending:

Splinting or bracing your wrist when sleeping
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs)
Activity modification
Physical therapy
Steroid injections

If nonsurgical care fails to ease your symptoms or the team has concerns about nerve damage, they may recommend surgery to sever the transverse carpal tunnel ligament and increase the space for the median nerve.

The team uses a no-suture, minimally invasive technique when performing carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, minimizing pain and recovery time.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen over time, so get help now by calling Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center or scheduling an appointment online today.

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