What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions that we treat at Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Hand Institute - Mount Pleasant. It occurs when a nerve in the wrist (the median nerve) is pinched or compressed as it travels through a tight area deep in the palm called the carpal tunnel. Symptoms can range from finger numbness to weakness in hands and pain. For severe cases, carpal tunnel surgery in Mount Pleasant is performed by Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Hand Institute’s board-certified orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon.

Capal Tunnel Syndrome Illustration

 

Causes

Anything that causes increased swelling or pressure within the carpal tunnel can cause carpal tunnel. In most cases there is no obvious direct cause, but several factors and medical conditions have been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

  • Overuse or repetitive activities
  • Swelling due to pregnancy
  • Diabetes, thyroid and rheumatoid diseases
  • Swelling due to fractures or other acute injuries

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of this condition can include:

  • Pain, numbness, or tingling usually affecting the thumb, index and ring fingers
  • Weakness or clumsiness of the hand
  • Symptoms that are often worse at night and with certain activities like driving, but over time can become constant

Carpel Tunnel Treatment & Surgery

Nonoperative carpal tunnel treatment options:

  • Activity modification recommendations
  • Wrist splinting
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Steroid injections

Carpal tunnel surgery:

In cases that are severe, long-standing, or have failed nonoperative treatment, a minor procedure for carpal tunnel surgery can often significantly improve symptoms. There are several options for the type of anesthesia and procedure, but the most common technique involves mild IV sedation, local numbing in the palm, then a small incision in the palm to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve.

Ready to confirm a diagnosis and fix the problem, or just want to learn more?

Our board-certified orthopedic hand and wrist surgeons, Eric Angermeier, MD and Kyle Kokko, MD, PhD, are here to help! They can often diagnose the problem in one visit, and get you started with a treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of both nonoperative and operative treatment options.

Call today for a clinic or telehealth appointment! 854-429-4263