Are you experiencing tingling, numbness, or pain in your hand or arm? If so, it is possible you have carpal tunnel syndrome.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist that’s about an inch wide. Small wrist bones called carpal bones form the floor and sides of this narrow tunnel. And because it’s such a narrow passageway, the boundaries of the tunnel are rigid and do not have much ability to stretch. The carpal tunnel’s function is to protect your main nerve in the hand as well as the associated tendons as they routinely allow you to bend your fingers and thumb.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when this tunnel becomes narrowed or when tissues surrounding your flexor tendons swell, putting pressure on the main nerve in your hand. Swelling crowds this nerve and causes abnormal pressure on it that can result in tingling, numbness, or pain as well as weakness in your hand.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important. Early on, you may find relief of your symptoms with simple measures like wearing a wrist splint, avoiding certain activities, or moving and shaking your hands. If pressure on the median nerve continues, however, it can lead to nerve damage and worsening symptoms. To prevent permanent damage, your doctor may recommend surgery to take pressure off the median nerve.
Signature Medical Group’s practitioners are board-certified orthopedic surgeons whose expertise, experience, and leadership in their profession translate into exceptional medical care and treatment for you.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and would like to be evaluated by a St. Louis or Kansas City orthopedic specialist, contact us today.