Everything Carpal Tunnel

When does one require surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome?

2012-01-11T14:21:00.003-08:00

When the symptoms progress and the pain is continuous, surgery may be the only option. Today, the surgery can be accomplished using a camera and a very small incision. However, surgery should never be the first choice of carpal tunnel. The surgery is purely elective and should only take place after other non-surgical interventions have failed. Overall, the results of surgery are horrible to say the least. Always get a second opinion and after that, go for a non-surgical alternative.

Can wrist splints help carpal tunnel syndrome?

2012-01-11T14:21:00.001-08:00

Yes, Wrist splints can help relieve the pain while one sleeps. Splinting is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate symptoms. Most individuals need some type of medications to relieve the pain.

I have been told I have carpal tunnel syndrome. my doctor says I need surgery. Can you advise?

2012-01-11T14:20:00.005-08:00

Surgery is never the first choice treatment for carpal tunnel. In addition, the results of surgery SUCK. Those individuals who have minor symptoms should discontinue whatever they are doing which arouses their symptoms. This includes taking break from repetitive work and applying cold packs to reduce the swelling on the wrist. The other options include wrist splints, pain medications, injection of corticosteroids and surgery.

How is the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome made?

2012-01-11T14:20:00.003-08:00

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel requires a couple of tests to determine where exactly the nerve is being compressed. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, you will be referred to a surgeon, physical therapist or a neurologist.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

2012-01-11T14:20:00.001-08:00

There are many causes of carpal tunnel syndrome and include any condition that will narrow the carpal tunnel. Such conditions include:

- rheumatoid arthritis

- menopause

- diabetes

- pregnancy (all these conditions lead to fluid buildup and narrow the tunnel , thus compressing the nerve)

- repetitive use or injury of the wrist

- bad luck is often a cause of many medical disorders

What are typical features of carpal tunnel syndrome?

2012-01-11T14:19:00.003-08:00

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually include the following:

- tingling or numbness in the middle three fingers. These symptoms may occur while holding a phone or a grocery bag. Many people shake their hands to relieve the symptoms

- pain, which radiates to the wrist and arm, also occurs as the disease progresses. The pain often worsens after repetitive use

- weakness of the hands and a tendency to drop objects occurs as the disease worsens

- when the disease is most advanced, most individuals will have atrophy of the muscles in the hand and continued numbness in the middle 3 fingers

I am a 30-year-old female and have been having pain in the middle three fingers. My hand also goes numb at night. Do you think I have arthritis?

2012-01-11T14:19:00.001-08:00

No, I think you have carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects many individuals in north America. In recent years, the diagnosis of Carpal tunnel is more frequently made and partly this is related to our lifestyle and work habits. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the frontal aspect of the wrist. This tunnel protects the major nerve to the hand and the fingers. In some individuals, this tunnel can narrow down and compress the nerve. This typically results in numbness, pain and tingling in the middle 3 fingers.

Fortunately, today we have excellent treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome that can relieve most of the symptoms and restore normal wrist and finger function.

I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and my friends suggest a visit to a chiropractor. What do you think?

2011-03-05T11:45:00.003-08:00

The initial symptoms may be tingling and pain in the middle three fingers. This may then progress to severe pain at night and later leads to inability to hold objects. Over time, the hand practically becomes disabled. There are numerous ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome including surgery. However, initial treatment of this syndrome is always conservative and may range from wearing of splint, physical therapy and rest. While chiropractic manipulation may help with neck and back problems, I doubt if this technique is useful for carpal tunnel. Physical therapy appears to be the most effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome when it is combined with heat and ice.

I have noticed that when I use my PC keyboard I get sharp tingling pain in my middle three fingers. Why is that?

2011-03-05T11:45:00.001-08:00

One of the most common nerve entrapment syndromes that affect thousands of people is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome has been increasing in incidence in the last 2 decades partly because of work related activities and our life style. The use of computers is one of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. The syndrome is caused by compression or irritation of the median nerve as it passes through the tunnel in the wrist. The nerve can be compressed or it may become irritated from repeated activities like typing, lifting, twisting, pushing or cutting maneuvers that involve the wrist.

I am a type 2 diabetic and have been told that I have carpal tunnel syndrome. What are my treatment options?

2010-10-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well, carpal tunnel syndrome is known to be associated with diabetes. The syndrome typically occurs after many years and can be disabling. The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetics is due to high glucose levels that lead to biochemical changes in the nerve and affect conduction. It is estimated that 30-45 percent of diabetics do develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Other causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include obesity, hypothyroidism, repeated use of the wrist, trauma or fluid buildup in the space where the median nerve runs. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also common in individuals who perform the same repeated wrist activities at work.

Once you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, the first goal of treatment is to avoid going to a surgeon. Surgery is the last resort and the results are not exactly promising. Many patients continue to have similar symptoms after surgery and recurrence of the syndrome is not unheard of.

If your physician suggests surgery right away, get a new doctor. The first treatment should be protection of the wrist with a splint and avoiding activities that aggravate the wrist. You may have to change your job, lose weight and get better control of your diabetes. Injection of steroids, pain killers and physical therapy are also helpful. Surgery is only done when all these above management approaches fail. One should devote at least 3-7 weeks to each treatment before jumping to another treatment.