Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is irritation or compression (pinching) of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. 

The median nerve runs down your forearm and into your hand through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. It’s a sensory and motor nerve, providing sensations in your fingers and controlling the muscles at the base of your thumb.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage composed of bones and ligaments. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel as it travels into your hand.

Swelling and inflammation in the wrist can compress the median nerve as it passes through, leading to tingling, numbness, or burning in your hand. When left untreated, the prolonged compression can cause permanent nerve damage, affecting sensation and muscle strength in your hand and arm.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome develop gradually and often go unnoticed at first. In the early stages, you might experience tingling or numbness in your hand when you first wake up in the morning. These symptoms go away with a few shakes of your wrist.

As time goes on, your symptoms won’t go away so quickly, and your hand grip could weaken.

Sunset Neurological & Psychiatry Group recommends you schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you have burning, numbness, or pain in your hands, wrist, or forearm.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Your provider at Sunset Neurological & Psychiatry Group completes a thorough exam when you come in with concerns about CTS.

First, they review your symptoms, medical history, and daily routine to look for evidence of repetitive activities that might contribute to your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. They examine your hands and wrist and could run lab work and take X-rays.

They also do nerve conduction studies (NCS) to assess the function of your median nerve and the degree of damage.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

The Sunset Neurological & Psychiatry Group team customizes your carpal tunnel syndrome treatment based on how severe your symptoms are and the results of your NCS.

Initially, they’ll usually go with conservative treatment like:

• Activity changes
• Nightly wrist splinting
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine
• Corticosteroids
• Physical therapy

If conservative care fails to ease your CTS symptoms, the team will refer you to a surgeon to discuss carpal tunnel release surgery.

Early treatment of your carpal tunnel syndrome reduces symptoms and can prevent permanent nerve damage. Call Sunset Neurological & Psychiatry Group today or schedule your CTS appointment online.