When a person experiences pain in the hand and wrist, it can affect daily functions including their ability to work, their wellbeing, and most importantly, their ability to live independently and enjoy the things they love to do. One of the most common conditions of the hand and wrist is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This common disorder can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and “pins and needles” sensations throughout a person’s hand and fingers. While Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can vary from mild to severe, these symptoms can worsen over time and through further repetitive motions or overuse. If you or someone you know has been suffering from mild to severe hand and wrist pain, it may be time to consult with a hand and wrist orthopedic specialist to seek solutions.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Bones and ligaments in our wrists form the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway where the median nerve is located. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can occur when the median nerve inside of the carpal tunnel becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist, causing abnormal sensations, numbness, or pain.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Some patients may be predisposed to carpal tunnel syndrome due to anatomical factors such as a smaller carpal tunnel size or an enlarged median nerve. Other patients may experience carpal tunnel syndrome after repetitive hand and wrist movements where flexing or extending the wrist occurs frequently and over time. Medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, or pregnancy can also contribute. These underlying issues may cause inflammation to occur, leading to further compression and symptoms.  

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Many patients report symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome to include numbness and tingling along the thumb, index, long, and partial ring fingers. Patients have also reported pain and burning sensations to their palms and digits, nighttime paresthesias (abnormal tingling or pricking), and/or thenar (ball of the thumb) atrophy or loss of strength.

How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

A hand and wrist doctor can perform a simple medical history and exam to diagnose the majority of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. A doctor will identify symptoms and may perform a Phalen’s test to help diagnose carpal tunnel. This includes moving your hands and wrists into positions that put light pressure on the median nerve. Additionally, doctors may conduct a Tinel Test, elicited by a tapping on the nerve to test the presence of paresthesia. Slocum Orthopedics also offers an ultrasound as a diagnostic tool, which helps doctors examine the nerve to determine if it has lost its “gliding” motion. For some cases, nerve conduction studies may be needed but are not necessary for referral. 

How Do I Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome can vary according to the severity of the condition. Nighttime splints can be used as a conservative treatment option, and injections are available but usually offer only temporary relief. Slocum Orthopedics offers a minimally invasive carpal tunnel syndrome release procedure using a “one incision” endoscopic technique. With Slocum’s innovative treatment options, patients can receive this treatment using only local anesthesia, and have both hands done at the same time. This is a good option for older patients or those with complex medical conditions who do not want to undergo general anesthesia. 

Will I Need Surgery For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Modern treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome has come a long way with innovative technologies for more minimally invasive procedures. Today, doctors can use local anesthesia as opposed to general anesthesia and perform the carpal tunnel release typically in less than an hour using the “one incision” endoscopic method. Patients who receive a carpal tunnel release procedure at Slocum Orthopedics can often wash their hands the same day as surgery and heal within a few weeks. Patients can also decide to treat both hands at once to get back to the life they love, sooner.

Next Steps: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at Slocum Orthopedics

As the region’s premier provider of comprehensive and progressive orthopedic and sports medicine care, Slocum Orthopedics offers advanced, personalized care for individuals experiencing hand and wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Through innovative diagnostic techniques and minimally invasive carpal tunnel release procedure treatment options, the team at Slocum Orthopedics knows the impact hand and wrist pain can have on an individual’s quality of life. Whether it’s utilizing nighttime splints or considering minimally invasive surgery, our hand and wrist specialists work to restore function and help our Live in Motion. Contact Slocum Orthopedics today for a better tomorrow.