Have you been experiencing wrist and hand pain that worsens when performing certain movements? It may be due to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which is characterized by compression of a nerve in your wrist.
You can develop carpal tunnel syndrome from everyday activities such as typing, playing a musical instrument, or working with certain tools. Frequent engagement in these activities can cause compression of a nerve in your wrist leading to pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome may affect one or both hands. The symptoms are usually worse in the evening. The pain and discomfort can last months and may disrupt routine activities.
Most people with CTS are advised to start out with nonsurgical approaches to treatment such as:
- Wearing wrist splints at night. Keeping your wrist in a straight or neutral position reduces pressure on the nerve in the carpal tunnel. It may also help to wear a splint during the day when doing activities that aggravate your symptoms.
- Other nonsurgical approaches include steroid medications injected into the carpal tunnel, but these typically only provide temporary relief.
- Activity changes and nerve gliding exercises can also offer relief from the pain while allowing for time to heal.
The decision whether to have surgery is based on the severity of your symptoms—how much pain and numbness are you experiencing. In long-standing cases with constant numbness and the wasting of your thumb muscles, surgery may be recommended to prevent irreversible damage.
With recovery you should expect some pain, swelling, and stiffness after your procedure. Minor soreness in your palm may last for several weeks to several months. Grip and pinch strength usually returns by about 2 to 3 months after surgery. Your doctor will talk with you about when you will be able to return to work and whether you will have any restrictions on your work activities.
Book an appointment with us for an in-depth evaluation of your carpal tunnel and to find out if you are a candidate for surgery.
Dr. Daneca DiPaolo is a highly skilled, board certified orthopedic surgeon and hand specialist located in Grenada, Mississippi. She offers the newest orthopedic techniques, and she provides quality, compassionate, state of the art orthopedic care. For all appointments and inquiries, please call (662) 227-7794.
