Carpal tunnel syndrome is an unpleasant condition that can affect daily life and make it difficult to perform certain activities. Fortunately, the orthopedic experts at Swift Orthopedics offer treatment for this condition to the residents of Carson City, Nevada, and surrounding communities.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
To understand what causes carpal tunnel syndrome, it helps to know a little bit about the anatomy of the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway that runs down the forearm, through the wrist, and into the hand. It houses various tendons and the median nerve, which affects the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. When the tissues around the carpal tunnel swell — oftentimes due to repetitive hand and wrist motion — it can narrow the carpal tunnel and exert pressure on the median nerve. And, when the median nerve is squeezed, it can produce the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can produce a variety of unpleasant symptoms, which can be felt throughout the forearm, wrist, and hand. These symptoms include:
- Burning sensations
- Numbness
- Pain
- Tingling
- Weakness
Symptoms tend to worsen over time, and continuing pressure on the median nerve can even cause permanent nerve damage, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
When carpal tunnel syndrome is still in its early stages, many people are able to find relief by resting their wrist, wearing a wrist splint or brace, taking pain medication, and performing nerve-gliding exercises. If symptoms are severe and these conservative methods fail to provide relief, a physician might recommend surgery to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
