Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition experienced by many people today that is caused in part by extensive time spent at the computer due to work and recreation at home. This condition is caused by the compression of the median nerve, leading to sensations of weakness, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist. Additionally, some patients experience a tingling/electrical sensation in the middle, index fingers., and thumb. In some cases, the pain has been reported to radiate up the arm and into the elbow and shoulder as well. If you’re facing pain from carpal tunnel, contact your pain management doctor in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Yevgeniy Khavkin.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The base cause of pain from this condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve leading to the inflammation of the synovium, the tissues that surround the wrists tendons. While this is the most common cause, anything that leads to a narrowing of the carpal tunnel can cause this condition including:
- Injuries to the wrist that lead to excess pressure being put on the median nerve
- Spurs of Bone
- Diabetes, thyroid hormone imbalances, and diabetes, among other medical conditions
- Reduction in blood flow associated with smoking
- Extra strain placed on the body from obesity
- Pregnancy
- Alterations in hormones such as those from menopause
What Risks Are Associated With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
In cases where carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated permanent damage can occur to the median nerves and the associated muscles. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women in part due to the smaller size of their carpal tunnel, and in some cases has been found to be hereditary. Certain medical conditions increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially alcoholism and diabetes, and it is more common in those who suffer from inflammatory concerns associated with rheumatoid arthritis and infections.
What Kind Of Treatments Are Available For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
In mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, home treatment is possible. Home treatments include small steps like resting your wrist and hand between activities for 10-15 minutes, applying ice during this time every other hour or so. During the night, wearing a wrist splint can help as well as during the day if your lifestyle permits. The neutral position created by the wrist splint takes pressure off the nerve. In those cases where the condition is more severe, the following treatments may be suggested.
- Steroid Injection – Steroids injected into the area can aid in reducing inflammation and pain.
- Minimally Invasive Nerve Blocks – Injection of a nerve-numbing agent into the wrist to ease the pain from carpal tunnel.
- Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release – Release of the flexor retinaculum, the fibrous band the creates the carpal tunnel, with a minimally invasive surgical incision that eases pressure on the median nerve.
If you are experiencing pain from carpal tunnel, contact your physician today for a consultation. During this consultation, your symptoms and lifestyle will be discussed, and possible treatment options put forth. Don’t let carpal tunnel syndrome put a crimp in your life, call Khavkin Clinic today!