Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Are you experiencing pain in your hand and wrist? Do you spend your day typing on your computer? When you have constant pain in your hand and wrist, you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition affects both the hand and wrist, and it is caused by pressure on your median nerve. The median nerve runs through the wrist and up the hand, and this can be caused by repetitive motions. As an orthopedic surgeon in Deland, we help our patients alleviate this pain with treatments or surgery. These are a few things you should understand about carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you will feel tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers. These symptoms are often worse at night and may wake the person from sleep. Other symptoms can include:
- pain in the wrist and hand
- a burning sensation
- difficulty gripping or holding objects.
What are the risk factors?
If you work in a job that requires repetitive motions, such as typing or using power tools, you may be more susceptible to developing this condition. Other factors, like pregnancy, obesity, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can increase your likelihood of carpal tunnel syndrome.
I think I have carpal tunnel syndrome. What should I do?
You should seek an evaluation from your orthopedic surgeon in Deland if you believe you have carpal tunnel syndrome. We will likely perform a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms, including when they began and how severe they are. They may also order tests to confirm their diagnosis and determine proper treatment options for your case.
What are the treatment options?
The treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome depend on your specific condition. First, your doctor will likely suggest rest, splinting, and physical therapy. In some more severe cases, the doctor may recommend non-surgical treatment options, such as corticosteroid injections or medication to relieve pain and inflammation. If these methods do not provide relief, their last resort will be surgery. When they perform this surgery, they will use local anesthesia to alleviate the pressure on your median nerve.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome be prevented?
Although carpal tunnel syndrome is not completely preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing the condition. These include taking frequent breaks when performing repetitive motions, using ergonomic tools and equipment, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture. If you are feeling pain, tingling, or numbness in your hand, consider a wrist splint or other protective device to alleviate pain and help to decrease the symptoms.
If you suspect that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you will want to seek the treatment from an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Deland. Contact our hand and wrist specialists to make an appointment today.