Your hand surgeon in Lutherville, MD, sees many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS. Patients often complain of pain, poor hand function, and more. Without treatment, this common hand condition worsens over time. Here are the painful signs of carpal tunnel syndrome and how your hand specialist can help.
Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions which may require corrective surgery. This progressive problem happens when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed into the carpal bones by the transverse ligament. The carpal bones are located between the wrist and hand, and the median nerve runs through a bony tunnel in these bones–hence, the name carpal tunnel syndrome.
The signs of carpal tunnel syndrome vary in intensity and onset from person to person, and while women tend to develop CTS more frequently, men develop it, too. Much depends on heredity, hormones (pregnancy and menopause contribute to CTS), overuse activities (keyboarding, sewing, knitting, and hammering are some examples), and pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Signs of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Weakened grip strength and consequent complaints of “dropping things”
- Pain, “pins and needles” sensation, and numbness in the thumb, first, second and third fingers
- Burning sensation in the thumb and forefinger
- Hand and wrist pain which worsens at night when the wrists are relaxed, bent, and not supported
- A feeling that the hand is swollen (but actually, it is not)
Any or all of these painful, numbing sensations may travel from the hand through the wrist and up the arm to the shoulder, depending on the severity of the condition.
How to Correct CTS
A nerve conduction study, along with a discussion of symptoms, imaging, and an in-office examination at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder can help the orthopedic surgeon pinpoint the diagnosis of CTS. Your hand specialist will detail the treatment plan best for your unique situation and extent of nerve and tissue damage in your hand and wrist.
Common treatments include:
- Splinting of the wrist, particularly at night or when using a computer or doing other activities that strain the hand and wrist
- Oral NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain
- Cortisone injections into the wrist
- Ultrasound therapy, stretching exercises, and other PT modalities to relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce pain
- Using computer workstations with proper chair height and wrists rests, which keep hands, wrists, and forearms straight
However, in moderate to severe cases of CTS, surgery provides relief. Today’s carpal tunnel endoscopies feature tiny instruments, small incisions, quick rehabilitation and rapid relief of pain and other symptoms.
Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder Provides Exceptional Care in Bel Air, Maryland
Our hand specialists in Maryland are certified by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Please contact us for a thorough and helpful evaluation of your hand and wrist symptoms.
We have locations in Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Pasadena, Westminster, and Baltimore, MD. Call (410) 296-6232, or fill in our appointment request form. Get the relief you need and deserve!
