Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition in which increased pressure on the median nerve in the wrist causes pain, numbness, tingling, or a combination of all three in the wrist. These are most often experienced at night, but can be felt through day-to-day experiences like driving or reading a newspaper. Patients have complained of weaker grip, occasional clumsiness, and a tendency to drop things. In the most severe cases, sensation can be permanently lost. What can be done in the treatment of this problem?
Treatment options include:
Home treatment, which includes wearing a wrist brace and changing the way certain actions are performed to relieve stress of the nerve.
Physical therapy. This includes ultrasound, stretching, and range-of-motion exercises.
Medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In some cases, oral corticosteroids or corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel may be considered.
Surgery. Surgery is often only recommended if this is a long-term problem or if there is a real risk of nerve damage if left untreated.
How do you know if surgery is right for you? The treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can vary from person to person, as it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” injury. For some people, 1-2 weeks of rest will fix the issue. For others, medicine may reduce the swelling and relieve the pressure on the joint and nerve. Physical therapy and braces, or just a change in posture or how you arrange your desk can spell relief. In the case of severe pain or risk of permanent loss of sensation, surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure on the nerve. In any case, if you feel that you are experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and have experienced any of the symptoms listed above, please visit Neuropax Clinic at www.neuropaxclinic.com and call 314-434-7784 to setup an appointment.
