Carpal Tunnel
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness in your fingers from too much pressure on the median nerve at your wrist.
Nerves give sensation to your fingers and strength to the small muscles in your hand.
When the nerve is 'squeezed' or compressed, a patient will feel tingling or numbness in the hand that can travel up the arm.
When the symptoms are more severe, a patient can have pain or weakness of pinch.
When the nerve is 'squeezed' or compressed, a patient will feel tingling or numbness in the hand that can travel up the arm.
When the symptoms are more severe, a patient can have pain or weakness of pinch.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
A good physical exam by an experienced hand surgeon can help diagnose carpal tunnel.
A nerve conduction test (EMG electromyogram, performed by a neurologist or physiatrist) can help confirm the diagnosis.
A nerve conduction test (EMG electromyogram, performed by a neurologist or physiatrist) can help confirm the diagnosis.
What are risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Inflammatory diseases (ex: rheumatoid arthritis)
- Hormonal changes: pregnancy; menopause
- Age: increased prevalence 40-60s
- Anatomy and physical characteristics (history of fractures; size of the wrist, etc)
- Occupational (high repetition of strenuous work)
How can we treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Nerve gliding exercises and hand therapy
- Nighttime splinting (removes pressure on the nerve)
- Corticosteroid injection (acts as a local anti-inflammatory medication)
- Carpal tunnel release surgery:
local anesthesia; procedure takes 15-30 minutes.
Incision heals within 10-14 days; most patients have an improvement in their numbness within the first few days to weeks after surgery.
Dr. Thibaudeau does a variety of techniques including mini-open and endoscopic minimally invasive approach.
- Nerve gliding exercises and hand therapy
- Nighttime splinting (removes pressure on the nerve)
- Corticosteroid injection (acts as a local anti-inflammatory medication)
- Carpal tunnel release surgery:
local anesthesia; procedure takes 15-30 minutes.
Incision heals within 10-14 days; most patients have an improvement in their numbness within the first few days to weeks after surgery.
Dr. Thibaudeau does a variety of techniques including mini-open and endoscopic minimally invasive approach.
