Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
One of the most common causes of hand and wrist pain is carpal tunnel syndrome. At Slocum Orthopedics in Eugene, Oregon, our fellowship-trained, board-certified hand and wrist specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment to relieve symptoms and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed within this tunnel. This pressure can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensations in the hand and fingers. Symptoms may start gradually and often worsen over time.
Several factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Anatomy of the wrist: Some people are born with a smaller carpal tunnel or an enlarged median nerve.
- Repetitive or prolonged hand and wrist use: Activities that place stress on the wrist over time can aggravate symptoms.
- Medical conditions: Arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, and pregnancy can increase swelling or change the space within the tunnel.
Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much they affect your daily life. Many patients improve with simple measures such as splints, activity changes, and, in select cases, steroid injections. When symptoms are more advanced or do not respond to these options, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In most cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed with a careful history and physical exam. Your Slocum specialist will:
- Review your symptoms, including when they began and what makes them better or worse
- Look for thenar (thumb) muscle weakness or atrophy
- Tinel’s sign: tapping over the median nerve at the wrist to see if it reproduces symptoms
- Phalen’s test: holding the wrist in a flexed position to bring on numbness or tingling
When needed, additional studies may be used:
- Ultrasound to look at the median nerve in real time and assess changes in size or movement
- Nerve conduction studies if another diagnosis is suspected or if required by insurance
You do not need a nerve conduction study just to schedule an appointment at Slocum. Your specialist will help determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for you.
Nonsurgical Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Many patients experience relief from carpal tunnel syndrome with simple, nonsurgical treatments, especially when symptoms are mild.
Nighttime wrist splints can help minor symptoms by keeping the wrist in a neutral position while you sleep. For some patients, your surgeon may recommend a steroid injection into the carpal tunnel. Steroid injections offer temporary relief for certain conditions or circumstances, such as pregnancy.
If symptoms are more advanced or do not improve with these measures, your Slocum specialist may discuss carpal tunnel release, which can be performed endoscopically or open. Slocum primarily performs endoscopic releases.
When Surgery is Considered
Carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended when:
- Numbness, tingling, or pain are persistent or worsening
- Symptoms interfere with work, sleep, or daily activities despite splints and activity changes
- There is weakness or loss of thumb strength
- There is evidence of thenar muscle atrophy or more advanced nerve compression
Your Slocum hand & wrist specialist will review your exam, test results, and goals to help you decide if surgery is the right next step. Most patients who need surgery at Slocum are candidates for a minimally invasive, one-incision endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
Why Patients in Eugene Turn to Slocum for Hand & Wrist Pain
As the Pacific Northwest’s premier provider of progressive orthopedic and sports medicine care for more than 80 years, Slocum offers a comprehensive approach to carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Specialized expertise: Our team includes fellowship-trained, board-certified hand and wrist specialists with extensive experience treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Advanced diagnostics: In-office ultrasound and other tools to confirm diagnosis and tailor treatment.
- Minimally invasive options: A focus on one-incision, endoscopic carpal tunnel release using local anesthesia whenever appropriate, including for patients with complex medical conditions.
- Coordinated, patient-centered care: From initial evaluation through recovery, our team works with you to restore function and help you Live in Motion.
If you’re experiencing hand and wrist symptoms that could be carpal tunnel syndrome, the team at Slocum is here to help.
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August 15, 2025
Slocum to Open New Surgery Center in Eugene
Slocum Orthopedics is building a brand-new, physician-led ambulatory surgery center right here in Eugene. This state-of-the-art facility will expand access to high-quality orthopedic care and help meet the growing demand for surgical services in our community.
