What IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

The Pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

You are not alone—carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is a common condition that affects more than 12 million people, with an additional 2.6 million people diagnosed every year.

If you’ve experienced the pain, tingling, or weakness that can occur with CTS, you know how debilitating it can be, and how much it can affect your work and personal life. Those days are over!

About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a major nerve in the hand—the median nerve—is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This occurs when the tendons in the carpal tunnel or their lining become thick from chronic irritation, trapping the nerve under the transverse carpal ligament (TCL).

Common CTS symptoms include:

• Numbness, tingling, and burning in the thumb and fingers

• Hand and grip weakness or lack of coordination

• Shock-like sensations in the wrist or fingers

• Sleep disturbance—waking up with numb and tingling fingers

What causes cts?

CTS has many potential causes, including repetitive hand and finger motion, such as with typing, mousing, gripping, playing an instrument, and similar activities.

Treatments for cts.

Mild symptoms of CTS can be treated with directed home care, which may include specific exercises, avoiding activities that cause symptoms, or wearing a wrist splint.

To relieve pain and reduce inflammation, medications may also be prescribed. In some cases, your physician may recommend corticosteroid injections.

Unfortunately, in many cases non-surgical treatments only provide temporary results, with symptoms eventually returning.

For those seeking advanced diagnosis and treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, contacting Hands-On Orthopedics & Injury Center or scheduling an appointment online is recommended.

New patients, call us at 727-645-0925 or 813-945-2663

Existing patients can click here to find an appointment time that works for you.