Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common nerve disorder characterized by symptoms including pain, numbness, and stiffness in your hand or arm. You may develop this condition due to a squeezed or compressed median nerve – one of the primary nerves in your hand. It is essential to get an early diagnosis and treatment as East Brunswick carpal tunnel syndrome worsens over time in most patients. Addressing this condition at its onset also helps prevent permanent nerve damage.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
This nerve disorder occurs when the synovial tissues swell, resulting in the narrowing of the tunnel. When the carpal tunnel constricts in width, it puts pressure and compresses the median nerve. There is no specific cause for this carpal tunnel syndrome, as most people develop this condition as a result of one or a combination of different risk factors that include:
· Anatomic factors. Anatomic differences that run in families contribute to certain people having a small tunnel. Due to arthritis, wrist fracture, or dislocation, people with a narrow carpal tunnel may experience compression of the median nerve.
- Repetitive use of the hand in the same motion over a prolonged period strains and aggravates the tendons. This may result in swelling, which causes nerve compression.
- Engaging in activities that require you to extend your hand and wrist for long hours may also put abnormal pressure on the nerve.
- Medical conditions such as kidney failure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders are linked to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Sex. This nerve disorder is common in women as the tunnel in females is smaller compared to men. This condition may also develop during pregnancy since the hormonal changes may result in swelling and increase your chances for carpal tunnel syndrome.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis for this condition involves physical evaluation, review of your medical history, and current health condition. During a physical test, your specialist will:
- Test for numbness by bending and holding your wrists in a flexed position.
- Apply pressure along the median nerve to check for numbness and tingling.
- Ask you to close your eyes and test for sensitivity in your fingertips and hands using a particular instrument.
- Examine if the muscles around the base of your thumb are weak and check for atrophy. Noticeable smaller muscles may be an indication that your condition is severe.
Your doctor may use electrophysiological tests to measure the intensity of pressure on the median nerve and examine if you have other nerve conditions such as neuropathy. Examples of these tests include:
- Electromyogram. This test measures the electrical pulse in your muscles and indicates whether you have nerve or muscle damage.
- Ultrasound. An ultrasound is an imaging test that involves sound waves to produce images of your internal structures such as bone and tissue. Your specialist may use this test to establish that you have median nerve compression.
After diagnosis, your doctor may offer non-surgical treatment methods such as braces and splints to keep your wrist in a neutral position. Other treatment options include steroid injections, nerve gliding exercises, and surgical procedures, which your doctor may recommend if your symptoms do not improve after trying out conventional treatments.
To learn more about recovery and complications involved with surgery, reserve a session with your specialist at Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP.
