Carpal Tunnel Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome is defined by numbness or tingling in the hand that can also be accompanied by weakness, pain and pressure. These symptoms are due to pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Tendons and the median nerve run through a small passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, which is where the name of the syndrome comes from.

If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause irreparable nerve damage that can lead to permanent numbness. In rare cases, some patients have had a complete loss of function in some of the muscles that control the thumb.

Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

carpal tunnel hand

Carpal tunnel tends to progress slowly, with some of the most common symptoms including:

  • Numbness in the hand, forearm or wrist
  • Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
  • Pain that gets worse while using your hand or wrist
  • Stiffness in the fingers when waking up in the morning
  • Reduced strength or grip in your fingers

Carpal Tunnel Causes

Women are more likely to develop carpal tunnel than men, and any age group can be affected. However, it becomes more of a risk during your 40s and 50s.

There are also certain scenarios and conditions that can increase risk:

  • Overuse
  • Frequent use of vibrating hand tools
  • Medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, gout and rheumatoid arthritis

Carpal Tunnel Treatment Options

If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, visiting an orthopaedic specialist will help get you on the road to recovery.

Treatment will depend on your condition, but options for relief include:

  • Splinting
  • Physical therapy
  • Cortisone injections
  • Surgery in rare, extreme cases

If symptoms are still present after splinting, rest and physical therapy, nerve testing can be done to further confirm the diagnosis and assess for severity. Cortisone injections usually become the next line of treatment, with relief of symptoms occurring in most patients.

For those who don’t find relief from splinting and injections, then surgery can provide relief of symptoms. The surgical procedure involves an endoscopic carpal tunnel release that is done with a camera through a small incision. This procedure provides faster recovery and return to activity.

Regardless of the method used, most patients can enjoy permanent relief of symptoms if they seek treatment from an orthopaedic specialist.

 

Locations

Auburn, NH Ambulatory Surgery Center

45 Dartmouth Dr.
Auburn, New Hampshire 03032

Dover, NH Orthopaedic Clinic

19 Webb Place
Dover, NH 03820

Rochester, NH Orthopaedic Clinic

120 Washington Street Suite 101
Rochester, NH 03839

Portsmouth, NH Orthopaedic Clinic (Walk-In Clinic)

155 Borthwick Avenue, Suite 102
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Raymond, NH Orthopaedic Clinic

6 Freetown Road
Raymond, NH 03077

Exeter, NH Orthopaedic Clinic (Walk-In Clinic)

1 Hampton Road
Exeter, NH 03833

3%

The percentage of the general population that is affected by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Find Relief

Access Sports Medicine’s orthopaedic surgeons are skilled in the non-surgical and surgical treatment of carpal tunnel pain relief.

Our staff understands and recognizes the importance of providing current and accurate workers’ compensation information and patient progress reports in a timely manner. Above all, our focus is on the recovery process and getting patients back to work quickly.

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Is there a way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?

If you feel that you may be at risk for developing carpal tunnel, there are steps you can take to decrease your chances. If you use your hands repetitively throughout the day, make sure to allow yourself resting periods to relax your hands and stretch your muscles. If you use a computer for your job, make sure to employ good ergonomics for the best alignment possible.