Carpal Tunnel
What causes Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition originating from the median nerve of the wrist. It occurs when the nerve becomes compressed or traumatized where it travels through the carpal tunnel. The causes can vary and are not always fully understood; below are some potentially contributing factors:
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Repetitive use
- Degenerative changes
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
The onset of symptoms is most frequently experienced during sleep or after waking up in the morning. As the condition worsens, they may persist throughout the day. And in untreated instances, the muscles at the base of the thumb may ultimately atrophy. Common symptoms of carpal tunnel in the wrist / hand include:
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand
- Decreased pinch strength
- Pain radiating from the wrist
- A dull ache in the forearm
- Stiff fingers
Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel
The Orthohealing Center is committed to providing patients with a conclusive diagnosis of their respective conditions or injuries. To do this, an initial physical and verbal intake will be conducted. During this process, patients are asked how the injury was sustained and about the severity, duration, and frequency of symptoms. The affected region is examined for tender areas / pain, reflexes, strength, and range of motion. Our physicians frequently order advanced imaging studies such as MRI or Ultrasound to assess baseline status and monitor treatment results.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Carpal Tunnel
It’s our goal to reduce pain and restore normal sensation, strength, and range of motion when treating carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist / hand. We offer a comprehensive array of nonsurgical approaches to address associated debilitating symptoms. For this condition, our physicians may recommend:
