Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that is about an inch wide. The floor and sides of the tunnel are formed by small wrist bones called carpal bones. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand (the median nerve) is squeezed or compressed as it travels through this tunnel to the wrist.
Causes
Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are caused by a combination of factors, including heredity, repetitive hand use, and pregnancy. A variety of health conditions are also associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid gland imbalance.
Symptoms
In most patients, carpal tunnel syndrome begins gradually without a specific injury and gets worse over time. As the condition worsens, symptoms may occur more frequently or persist for longer periods of time. early diagnosis and treatment are important. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness, tinging, burning and pain, primarily in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers
- Symptoms that increase or get worse at night
- Weakness and clumsiness in the hand, making it difficult to perform fine movements
- Pain or tingling that travels up the forearm
- Occasional shock-like sensations that radiate to the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers
Treatments
Early diagnosis and treatment is important, as symptoms can continue to worsen over time without medical attention. OKC Orthopedics Sports Medicine is skilled in treating carpal tunnel syndrome with both non-surgical and surgical options. If caught in the early stages, it may be possible to slow or stop the progression of the disease.
Meet Our
Doctors
