• What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
• What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
• How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
• What are the Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
• How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the wrist and hand, causing pain, tingling, and numbness. At Davis Orthopedics, we offer personalized treatment options to treat carpal tunnel syndrome safely and effectively.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the arm to the hand, becomes compressed or pinched as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located in the wrist, made up of bones and ligaments. CTS is a common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of CTS, its symptoms, and the treatment options available.

The exact cause of CTS is not always known, but it is believed that certain factors can contribute to its development. Some of these factors include:

1. Repetitive Motion: Activities that involve repetitive hand and wrist motion, such as typing, sewing, and using power tools, can increase the risk of developing CTS.
2. Health Conditions: Certain health conditions can increase the risk of developing CTS. These conditions include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders.
3. Anatomy: A person’s wrist anatomy can also play a role in the development of CTS. For example, people with smaller wrists may be more likely to develop the condition.
4. Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant may be more prone to developing CTS. This is because of the increased fluids and swelling that can occur during pregnancy.
5. Trauma: Trauma to the wrist, such as a fracture or sprain, can also increase the risk of CTS.

The symptoms of CTS can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to look out for. These include:

1. Pain: People with CTS may experience pain in their wrist, hand, or forearm. The pain can be intermittent or constant.
2. Numbness: Numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers can also occur in people with CTS. This is often felt in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
3. Weakness: People with CTS may notice a loss of strength in their hand, making it difficult to grip things.
4. Sensitivity: Some people with CTS may experience an increase in sensitivity to touch.
5. Nighttime Symptoms: The symptoms of CTS can often be worse at night, with people waking up with numbness and tingling in their hand and fingers.

Diagnosing CTS usually involves a physical exam, which includes an assessment of the strength and sensation in the affected hand. Additional tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis, such as nerve conduction studies. In this test, small electrodes are placed on the skin to measure the speed at which electrical impulses travel through the median nerve.

There are several treatment options available for CTS, depending on the severity of the condition. These include:

1. Rest: Resting the affected hand and avoiding activities that cause pain or worsen symptoms can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
2. Bracing: Wearing a wrist brace or splint can help keep the wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
3. Medications: Pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Physical Therapy: Stretching exercises and other exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the hand and wrist can help improve symptoms.
5. Surgery: In certain cases of CTS, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. Surgery involves releasing the ligament that is pressing on the nerve and can be done as an outpatient procedure.

Preventing CTS involves taking steps to reduce the risk of developing the condition. These steps include:

1. Reducing Repetitive Hand and Wrist Movement: Reducing the amount of repetitive motion performed by the hand and wrist can help prevent CTS from developing.
2. Adjusting Workspace Ergonomics: Ensuring that workspaces are properly set up to support good posture and reduce strain on the hands and wrists can help prevent CTS.
3. Taking Breaks: Taking frequent breaks to rest and stretch the hands and wrists can help prevent CTS from developing.
4. Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce the risk of developing CTS.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. It can be caused by repetitive motion, health conditions, wrist anatomy, pregnancy, and trauma. Treatment options include rest, bracing, medications, physical therapy, and surgery. To prevent CTS, steps should be taken to reduce repetitive hand and wrist movement, adjust workspace ergonomics, take breaks, and maintain a healthy body weight. With proper treatment and preventive measures, the symptoms of CTS can be managed, allowing people to continue with their daily activities with minimal discomfort.

If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, book an appointment at Davis Orthopedics.  Dr. Davis can provide a comprehensive evaluation, discuss treatment options tailored to your specific needs, and help you find relief from the pain, numbness, and weakness in your hand and wrist. Don’t let carpal tunnel syndrome hinder your daily activities any longer – take the first step towards managing your symptoms.