That numbness and tingling in your hand may be more than just "falling asleep." If it's happening on a regular basis, you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. This common condition affects close to 3% of the population, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm, making daily life difficult. If you've been suffering from these symptoms, Crescent City Orthopedics in Metairie, Louisiana, has proven solutions to stop the pain and discomfort.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves that travel to the hand, is squeezed. This nerve runs through a narrow tunnel, the carpal tunnel, in order to get to the hand. When that tunnel is narrowed or the nearby tendons swell, the nerve is pressed, causing discomfort.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause:
If you're noticing these problems, get them checked out right away because early diagnosis can prevent the progression of the symptoms. Most of the time symptoms start gradually with no specific injury but continually get worse.
Several risk factors make it more likely that you will develop carpal tunnel syndrome. These include:
Specifically, carpal tunnel syndrome is common among people who use their hands for a living, especially those who work desk jobs and type frequently. The combination of poor hand and wrist position and continuous, repetitive use increases the risk of inflammation, which in turn increases the risk of carpal tunnel.
Patients who come to Crescent City Orthopedics with carpal tunnel symptoms are first given nonsurgical treatments. Options include:
If these treatments fail to provide lasting relief, your surgeon may recommend surgery. The surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that makes up the top of the carpal tunnel. After about two months, you'll notice a significant reduction in your symptoms.
The surgeons at Crescent City Orthopedics are well-known for their conservative, but effective, approach to treating common injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. If you're looking for relief, they're ready to provide you with proven, minimally invasive treatment options.
