Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disease of the wrist which occurs when the median nerve is compressed. The median nerve carries sensations from the hand to the arm and part of the forearm. This condition can be painful and affect your ability to use your hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome often causes numbness, tingling, or burning in your hand. Some people with East Brunswick carpal tunnel syndrome also experience weakness in their hands and arms. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who work with their hands all day long, such as carpenters, sewing machine operators, and doctors.
Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are mild and do not require treatment. However, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options if you have symptoms for more than six months or if they worsen over time. Orthopedic specialists can treat carpal tunnel syndrome with:
Carpal tunnel release surgery
Carpal tunnel release surgery is a surgical procedure that removes pressure on the median nerve and relieves carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. In this type of surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the palm of your hand and then uses a small instrument to cut through bone and tissue to release the compression from your median nerve. During this procedure, your doctor may inject a steroid into your wrist and hand to reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) can reduce pain and inflammation. They may also help to reduce swelling and numbness. Your doctor may also recommend other medications if you have other symptoms like tingling, burning, or numbness.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional medicine that uses needles to stimulate specific points on your body’s meridians (energy channels) that connect particular organs and body parts. Acupuncture reduces pain levels in carpal tunnel people by stimulating blood flow and improving blood circulation around the affected area. It also helps enhance joint mobility, which may help improve the flexibility of your wrist and fingers.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy may help ease symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your wrists and hands. Your therapist will work with you to determine what type of physical therapy is best for you, depending on your symptoms, age, and body weight.
Steroid injections
Orthopedics can also use steroid injections to reduce inflammation in the carpal tunnel area of your arm. They are often used to relieve pain and improve function. This procedure involves injecting steroids into the affected area regularly over several weeks until your symptoms improve. Steroids help reduce swelling of nerves and other tissues in this region while they heal naturally over time. Some patients may need additional steroid injections after the initial treatment to continue improving their symptoms.
The treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on your symptoms and the severity of your condition. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may recommend several treatment options to help relieve your symptoms. Contact Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP, and schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome.