Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Do you wake up in the middle of the night with numb fingers? Have you felt like your hand is weaker than usual? Have you dropped something out of your hand and did not know why?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common nerve disorder found in the body. Oftentimes the nerve is compressed by inflamed tissues, a cyst, or inflammation fluid in the wrist.
Causes and Risk Factors
Carpal tunnel is often associated with pregnancy, acute or chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and aging, trauma, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, local masses, and other conditions.
Your job may be a cause as well. This can be the case with repetitive work of the hand and wrist. Some jobs with excessive typing or twisting of the wrist can predispose you to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms
Pain can present uniquely in each patient. Most often, you will experience numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. You may wake up in the night with hand numbness and need to shake your hands awake. Holding a steering wheel or book may cause your hands to go numb or cause shooting pains in your forearm and hand. You may feel clumsy by dropping tools, kitchen utensils, or other objects.
Diagnosis
Often imaging is necessary to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. Our office provides ultrasound imaging to accurately assess and treat the disease. Dr. Eby and staff may offer other modalities including electromyography and nerve conduction velocity studies.
Treatments and Recommended Imaging
Dr. Eby and staff will offer the first steps to treat your symptoms. Often relief can be found with NSAIDs, splinting, and changes in your workflow. Some patients can find relief from cortisone injections or surgical options.
McMahon, Patrick J., and Harry B. Skinner. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Orthopedics. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Medical, 2021