Navigating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can have a significant impact on everyday activities as it affects the median nerve, located in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. This condition may result in numbness, tingling, wrist pain or pain in the hand or forearm. 

If you’re experiencing a decreased quality of life due to carpal tunnel syndrome, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The orthopedic specialists at Houston Methodist are here to provide you with an accurate diagnosis, unique treatment plan, expert interventions and robust rehabilitation services. 

Contact us to schedule your appointment with an arm, wrist, hand and elbow specialist in Houston today. 

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

CTS occurs when pressure on the median nerve in your wrist leads to decreased nerve function. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway that’s surrounded by bones and ligaments. As such, it’s more prone to nerve compression. However, it’s not always easy to differentiate temporary discomfort from chronic CTS, which is why it’s recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible for an expert diagnosis. 

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are many potential symptoms of CTS, which may include:

• A tingling sensation or the feeling of pins and needles
• Difficulty gripping or weakness in the thumb
• Numbness in your handsPain in areas of the hand that are linked to median nerve compression (i.e., index finger and thumb)
  
  

In many cases, the onset of these symptoms is slow, intermittent, and particularly noticeable at night. Depending on the severity of your condition, certain ergonomic adjustments, such as adjusting your keyboard height, using a wrist support, or taking frequent breaks to stretch, may help reduce these symptoms while improving blood flow and reducing nerve pressure.

How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

There are some self tests for carpal tunnel syndrome, like Phalen’s Maneuver, that can provide an initial assessment of carpal tunnel. However, it’s recommended you seek the help of an orthopedic specialist to rule out other conditions or causes. 

During your initial visit, our world-class orthopedic team will conduct a thorough exam to identify symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may recommend certain nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to confirm the presence and extent of nerve damage. 

Risk Factors: Who Is Most Affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

According to the National Institutes of Health, carpal tunnel syndrome represents 45% of all non-traumatic nerve lesions, making it a very common diagnosis. Those most likely to be diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions that cause inflamed joints
• Musicians
• Overweight or clinically obese individuals
• Individuals with type 2 diabetes
• Women (especially those who are pregnant, in menopause or have a thyroid imbalance)
• Workers who engage in repetitive actions involving wrist flexion (i.e., office workers, factory workers, etc.)

Carpal Tunnel Treatment Options

There are a variety of treatments for carpal tunnel. Our hand and wrist specialists will help formulate the best options for you by taking into account the severity of your issue, your medical history, your age, gender and response to previous interventions. 

Some of the most common treatment options for carpal tunnel include: 

• Medications: These include over-the-counter options like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help with pain relief and corticosteroid injections for reducing inflammation.
• Non-surgical treatments: These may include the use of a wrist splint to help maintain a neutral position, physical therapy and lifestyle changes. 
• Surgical options: Carpal tunnel release surgery may be considered when other non-surgical treatment options are ineffective. 

Find Care at Houston Methodist

From diagnosis and treatment to comprehensive rehabilitation, the orthopedic specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are here for you. Our fellowship-trained orthopedic physicians use cutting-edge diagnostic tools in tandem with tailored treatment plans to help you recover from carpal tunnel. 

Contact us today or visit one of our Orthopedic Injury Clinics in Houston to begin your path to recovery.