Carpal Tunnel

You use your hand and wrist constantly, but sometimes overuse can lead to a painful condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. The team at Artemis Health in Torrance, Corona del Mar, and Santa Monica, California, treats a variety of orthopedic conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, with a treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms, which may include medications, injections, or surgery. If you think you have carpal tunnel syndrome and have been struggling with discomfort, call the nearest office or request a consultation online today. 

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder affecting the hand and fingers. Your carpal tunnel is the group of eight tiny bones that create a three-sided tunnel in your wrist. 

Your median nerve, which delivers sensation to your hand and most fingers, and the flexor tendons, which move your fingers, all travel through the tunnel. 

If the tissues on the open side of your carpal tunnel swell or thicken, it narrows the opening. This presses your median nerve, leading to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause a number of symptoms, including:

Numbness

Numbness can occur at the base of your thumb or in any of your fingers except the pinky. Shaking your hand to return some sensation is a common reaction to this numbness.

Tingling

An unpleasant tingling sensation can come and go in your thumb and other fingers except the pinky. 

Weakness

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause weakness in your hand and wrist. This may mean that it’s hard to grasp a small object or form a fist. 

Pain

Carpal tunnel can cause pain in your wrist and hand. In serious cases, the pain might also affect your forearm, following the path of your median nerve. 

Usually, carpal tunnel symptoms first appear in one hand, typically the hand you write with. Some individuals develop carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands.

What if I ignore carpal tunnel symptoms?

If you don’t seek treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, the muscles at the base of your thumb may atrophy from disuse. This increases hand weakness and makes it more difficult to grasp objects, use a pen, or perform other normal daily tasks. 

In the most serious cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, you could have irreversible median nerve damage. This may lead to constant numbness, tingling, pain, and near-total loss of hand function if untreated. 

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and specific tests that assess median nerve function. The team may also perform digital X-rays on-site to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as fractures and arthritis. 

How do you treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t have to mean surgery if you seek help early. Artemis Health offers comprehensive care for carpal tunnel syndrome, including medical treatment, physical therapy, and chiropractic services. This integrative approach helps you return to normal activity in a safe way. 

If your carpal tunnel doesn’t improve with conservative measures, the team at Artemis Health may recommend surgery.

Learn how you can overcome carpal tunnel syndrome with proven nonsurgical care. Call Artemis Health or request a consultation online today.