Carpal tunnel syndrome: It's all in the wrist

Your wrist is a small part of your body, but it can be a big pain if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is a condition that leads to pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and forearm.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a passage for nerves and tendons that runs through the wrist. When it narrows, it puts pressure on the median nerve. One of the main nerves in your hand, the median nerve starts in the neck and travels through your arms and down to your fingers.

Usually, carpal tunnel is the result of a combination of risk factors, which include:

• Heredity.

• Injury to the wrist.

• Repetitive hand motion.

• Pregnancy.

Signs of carpal tunnel can be tricky to pick up on because they come on gradually. They might include:

• Pain or tingling that moves up your forearm.

• Pain, burning or numbness in the fingers.

• Dropping objects due to hand weakness or numbness.

Carpal tunnel treatment

If you notice any symptoms, it's time to talk to your health care provider. During an evaluation, your hands and wrists will be examined and tested. Many times, this physical examination is all that's needed for a diagnosis.

Sometimes lab tests such as an x-ray or ultrasound may be needed. Your provider might refer you to an orthopedic doctor who specializes in bones, joints, muscles and nerves.

Nonsurgical treatments

Seeing a health care provider as soon as you notice symptoms can mean catching carpal tunnel early, when it can be treated more easily. Here are some treatments your provider may suggest you do at home:

• Wear a brace. Keeping the wrist still, especially at night, reduces pressure on the nerve.

• Take anti-inflammatories. Over-the-counter pain medicines, like ibuprofen and naproxen, or a cortisone injection can ease inflammation and pain.

• Change your movement. If the way you move—or don't move—your wrist is causing the problem, then you can make adjustments to help soothe it.

• Exercise. A health care provider or physical therapist can teach you simple movements that can help.

Surgical treatments

Sometimes nonsurgical treatments don't provide lasting relief. In that case, an orthopedic surgeon can perform a procedure that releases the pressure on the median nerve.

“If you’re having pain, stiffness, swelling, numbness, tingling in your hand, discuss it with your primary care provider,” says Taruna Madhav Crawford, MD, Hand and Orthopedic Surgeon at Riverside Orthopedic Specialists. “It’s not something you just have to live with. It’s something that we can treat effectively in an appropriate fashion.”

Make an appointment

If you have questions about carpal tunnel or would like an appointment with a Riverside Medical Group Orthopedic Specialists provider, visit myrhc.net/orthopedicsurgery or call (815) 214-9087.

Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases