What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that develops from compression of the median nerve when it passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist.

The median nerve is one of the primary nerves in the hand, providing sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers and controlling muscle movement in the thumb.

The carpal tunnel is a rigid and narrow passageway in your wrist made up of bones and the transverse carpal ligament. Your median nerve travels down your arm and through the carpal tunnel into your hand. The tendons that bend the fingers also pass through the carpal tunnel.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time. Early symptoms may include numbness and tingling in your hand and fingers. You may notice these symptoms at night when sleeping and easily shake them off when you readjust your hand.

With ongoing compression of the median nerve, symptoms may occur during the day, causing tingling in the fingers, loss of sensation in the hand, or a weak grip.

If left untreated, the chronic compression may permanently damage the median nerve.

When should I get help for carpal tunnel syndrome?

You should get help for your carpal tunnel syndrome when you first notice symptoms. Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides high-quality orthopedic care for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Your provider reviews your symptoms and examines your hand and wrist, performing various tests to assess sensation in your hand and fingers and muscle movement. They may also perform nerve conduction studies (NCS) to assess the severity of the nerve damage.

What are some treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine takes a patient-centered approach to care and customizes your carpal tunnel syndrome treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and degree of nerve damage.

When possible, your provider recommends nonsurgical interventions such as:

• Activity modification
• Nighttime wrist splints
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

However, if your symptoms are severe, your provider may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery to improve your condition. During this minimally invasive procedure, your provider severs the transverse carpal ligament, making more room for the median nerve.

Don’t wait for your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms to get worse. Call Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, or schedule a consultation online today.