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Carpal Tunnel

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN BATON ROUGE

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

With a stout ligament on one side and bone on the other, the carpal tunnel is a small passageway that allows the median nerve and several tendons to run from the arm into the hand. This nerve, along with the surrounding tendons, enables motion and feeling in the hands and fingers. When tendons within the passageway become swollen or irritated, they exert pressure on the median nerve. This condition, known as carpal tunnel syndrome, causes pain, muscle weakness, and numbness to the affected limb. Effective treatment options help to reduce the effects of this condition.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

These sensations are first felt in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Many patients first notice these symptoms when they're operating machinery, driving, mowing the lawn, and sleeping.

Pain is another common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. Some patients describe a feeling similar to a small electric shock. Others may feel a pins-and-needles sensation that travels from the wrist and up the arm.

Compression of the median nerve may also result in muscle weakness. Patients with severe carpal tunnel may have a hard time gripping, pinching, or making a fist.

Symptoms occur in episodes. In the early stages, episodes are short and infrequent. Without proper treatment, episodes, lengthen, and symptoms become more severe. In advanced cases, patients report constant pain and loss of hand function.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel is a complex condition. In many cases, there are a variety of factors that contribute to the development of this condition. The primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve from swollen tendons. Several conditions can cause tendons to swell.

Hypothyroidism
Pregnancy
Rheumatoid arthritis
Heart disease
Diabetes
Obesity

The use of heavy machinery, power tools, and lawnmowers may exacerbate symptoms due to vibrations. Commonly, patients complain of numbness while driving long distances.

Repetitive motion may be another factor in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Placing the wrist in a prone position while using the fingers to type, twist, or press repeatedly stresses muscles around the base of the hand. This positioning of the wrist compresses the small bones that surround the median nerve and tendons.

Impact injury is another possible source of carpal tunnel problems. Any excessive force can shift or damage the boney passageway that houses the bundle of nerves and tendons.

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Treatments for Carpal Tunnel

The goal of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is to reduce the pressure on the median nerve. There are several techniques doctors suggest in helping patients reduce symptoms and restore function.

When repetitive motions are a factor, patients are advised to discontinue these activities. When this is not possible, doctors can suggest ways to alter the activity to reduce joint stress.
Braces and other assistive devices hold muscles in a rigid position. This positioning ensures proper alignment while performing certain activities, which reduces the impact of inflamed tendons.
Stretching and exercise may help to encourage nerve gliding to assist in symptom reduction.
Anti-inflammatory medications temporarily reduce swelling and relieve pain. Steroid injections to the affected limb provide short-term relief from severe and chronic discomfort.
Cases of carpal tunnel that are related to other diseases are positively impacted when those conditions are resolved.

Healthy habit changes are the most important part of healing from carpal tunnel syndrome. To reduce carpal tunnel irritation, patients should pay special attention to wrist alignment in their daily activities.

Getting Help From A Carpal Tunnel Specialists

A combination of rest, splints, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatories are enough to help most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, extensive damage may require a surgical solution.

Carpal tunnel specialists locate and release the ligaments that are putting pressure on the median nerve. An endoscopic procedure involves a small camera placed through an incision in the hand or wrist. In open surgery, specialists enter through an incision in the palm.

After surgery, doctors use physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices to ensure proper alignment during the healing process.

The early treatment of this condition guarantees the best possible prognosis. However, carpal tunnel specialists offer long-term relief for advanced cases.