What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is located at the wrist and measures about an inch wide. The carpal bones form the bottom and sides of this tunnel, which houses a major nerve called the median nerve.
The median nerve travels from your arm into your hand and is responsible for feeling in your thumb, as well as your index, middle, and ring fingers.
When the carpal tunnel narrows due to inflammation and swelling, it pinches the median nerve, causing carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome presents as pain and numbness in your thumb and fingers. Other symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Shock-like sensations that radiate to your thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers
- Weakness and poor motor control in the hand that makes fine movements difficult
- Frequently dropping items
- Tingling and pain that radiates up the forearm
What are the risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome?
Women and older adults have an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Other factors that put you at risk include:
- Genetics
- Repetitive motion of your wrist or hand, such as typing or painting
- Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy
- Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
- Prolonged positioning of your hand in extreme flexion or extension
What is the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Nonsurgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include bracing, physical therapy, changes in hand position, medication, and steroid injections. When these measures fail, Dr. Alani may recommend surgery to relieve your pain.
Carpal tunnel release surgery aims to relieve pressure on your median nerve. Dr. Alani uses one of two techniques to cut the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, which creates more space and reduces pressure on the nerve.
The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, so you go home the same day. Dr. Alani will put you under general or local anesthesia, depending on your health and the extent of the surgery.
Following the surgery, you may have some pain, stiffness, and swelling as well as minor soreness in your palm. With physical therapy and other rehabilitation measures, you start to regain grip strength within two to three months, but full recovery may take up to 12 months.
Call the office of Dr. Wayne O. Alani or book a consultation online to learn more about your options for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.
