Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with between 4 and 10 millions in the U.S. only. At Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine, we are dedicated to helping you understand this condition, its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care and support for those suffering from CTS and get you back to your best health.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the median nerve. This nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow movement. It runs from the forearm to the palm of your hand through the carpal tunnel, which is an opening at the wrist formed by bones and ligaments.

When the median nerve becomes compressed or pinched at the wrist, you develop carpal tunnel syndrome and might experience tingling, burning, numbing, or pain in your wrist and fingers.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Several factors could mix and contribute to the development of CTS, the most common being:

  • Repetitive hand movements over the years: if you work or have a constant hobby that creates constant stress on your hands, you could be more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Some examples can be typing, drawing, sewing, or assembling line work.
  • Additional health conditions: diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid gland imbalance, and other conditions could play a role in developing CTS.
  • Pregnancy: hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause swelling and increased pressure on the carpal tunnel.
  • Anatomy: some people naturally have a smaller carpal tunnel, which makes them more susceptible to nerve compression.

Injuries: wrist fractures and other accidents could alter the space within the carpal tunnel and ultimately lead to CTS.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of CTS usually start gradually and spaced apart, and over time become more severe and frequent. Be aware of any:

  • Tingling, burning, or numbness in the thumb, index, middle, ring finger, or even up the arm.
  • Weakness in the hand, shown as a tendency to drop objects or lack of control.
  • Pain or discomfort around the wrist or hand, especially during the night.

Diagnosis and Treatment

At Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine, your doctor will first perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and order some kind of diagnostic test. These could be a nerve conduction study or an electromyography (EMG), which assesses the functions of the median nerve.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Usually, you will explore several non-surgical alternatives for treating your carpal tunnel syndrome before even considering surgery. Some of the most common are:

  • Splinting, as wearing a wrist splint at night or during certain moments of the day can help to keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce the pressure on the median nerve.
  • Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
  • Steroid injections like corticosteroid can reduce inflammation and therefore relieve symptoms.
  • Physical therapy, since specific and supervised exercises can help strengthen your wrist and hand muscles, reducing the impact on your nerves.

Surgical Treatments

If more conservative measures like splinting or physical therapy do not relieve your symptoms, surgery might be the right option. The most common surgical procedure for addressing CTS is carpal tunnel release. During the procedure, your surgeon will cut the ligament pressing on the median nerve to relieve pressure and manage pain.

Additional Questions About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Here’s Our Comprehensive Q&A

What are the early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Early signs include tingling, numbness, or pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. These symptoms often appear during activities that involve moving your wrist and hand, and may get worse at night or when you’re sleeping.

Can carpal tunnel syndrome go away on its own?

Mild cases of CTS could improve with rest and avoidance of certain activities that exacerbate symptoms. Nonetheless, persistent or worsening symptoms require medical intervention. On the other hand, keep in mind that leaving your carpal tunnel syndrome unattended for a long time could result in permanent nerve damage and affect your hand’s functionality.

What lifestyle changes can help manage carpal tunnel syndrome?

If you want to alleviate your symptoms, try making ergonomic adjustments to your workplace, such as using a keyboard with a cushioned wrist rest, or taking frequent breaks during repetitive activities. You can also ask your doctor about special wrist exercises you could do at home.

Is surgery always necessary for carpal tunnel syndrome?

No, surgery is usually considered only when non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief. Many patients find significant improvement with conservative treatments such as splinting, medication, and physical therapy.

How long is the recovery period after carpal tunnel surgery?

Recovery time varies among individuals. Most people can resume light activities within a few days, but full recovery and return to normal activities may take several weeks to months. It will all depend on medical history, age, and the severity of your condition by the time of the procedure.

Are there any risks associated with carpal tunnel surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, nerve damage, and stiffness. However, carpal tunnel release surgery is generally safe and effective for relieving symptoms.

The Best Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in New Jersey

At Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, as we know how deeply it can affect your daily life. We offer the latest techniques and options for addressing your orthopaedic concerns in any of our five New Jersey locations.

Our expert team is here to help you find the most effective treatment plan to restore your mobility and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of CTS, know that the sooner you seek care, the better. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation—we are here to help you every step of the way.

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