Waking up with a numb hand or feeling a sharp shot of pain while typing can disrupt your entire day. For many, these aren't just random aches; they are the tell-tale signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, is compressed or squeezed at the wrist.
While shaking your hands out might provide temporary relief, ignoring the symptoms can lead to permanent nerve damage and loss of muscle function. Fortunately, you do not have to live with the discomfort. Orthopedic specialists have a wide array of tools to diagnose, manage, and cure this common condition, restoring function to your hands and wrists.
Key Takeaways
- Accurate Diagnosis is Vital: Specialists use specific physical tests and nerve studies to confirm CTS and rule out other issues like arthritis.
- Splinting Offers Nighttime Relief: Keeping the wrist neutral while sleeping reduces pressure on the median nerve.
- Medication Reduces Inflammation: NSAIDs and oral corticosteroids can help manage acute pain and swelling.
- Targeted Injections Provide Long-Lasting Results: Corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel can relieve symptoms for months.
- Therapy Improves Mobility: Specific gliding exercises help the nerve move freely within the canal.
- Surgery is a Permanent Solution: When conservative methods fail, a simple procedure to release the ligament can cure the condition.
- Expert Care is Nearby: The Center for Bone and Joint Disease provides expert orthopedic treatment in FL for wrist pain. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and reclaim your hand function.
APPOINTMENT
1. Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing
The path to pain relief begins with understanding exactly what is happening inside the wrist. A general practitioner might suspect Carpal Tunnel Syndrome based on symptoms, but an orthopedic specialist at The Center for Bone and Joint Disease utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the nerve compression.
During an evaluation, the specialist will perform physical exams such as Tinel’s sign (tapping over the nerve) or Phalen’s maneuver (pressing the backs of the hands together). If these tests induce tingling, CTS is likely. To be certain, doctors may order electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies. These tests measure the electrical activity of the muscles and the speed of nerve impulses, pinpointing exactly where the blockage is occurring.
2. Customized Bracing and Splinting
One of the most effective non-surgical treatments is also one of the simplest. Many patients bend their wrists while sleeping, which increases pressure on the median nerve and causes morning numbness.
Your specialist can prescribe or recommend a rigid brace or splint that keeps the wrist in a neutral, straight position. Unlike generic drugstore braces, which may not fit correctly, a specialist ensures the brace provides the correct support without causing additional pressure points. Wearing a brace at night can significantly reduce symptoms within a few weeks.
3. Targeted Medication Management
Inflammation is often the root cause of the pressure within the carpal tunnel. To combat this, providers at The Center for Bone and Joint Disease may recommend a regimen of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
In some cases, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling rapidly. While medication is rarely a permanent cure on its own, it plays a crucial role in managing pain while other therapies—like bracing or ergonomic adjustments—take effect.
4. Specialized Hand Therapy
Physical therapy specifically designed for the hand and wrist can be incredibly beneficial for mild to moderate cases of CTS. A certified hand therapist works with the patient to perform nerve gliding exercises. These movements help the median nerve move more freely within the confines of the carpal tunnel.
Therapists also educate patients on ergonomics. Whether the strain comes from a computer setup or industrial machinery, learning how to position the wrist during daily tasks can prevent the condition from worsening.
5. Corticosteroid Injections
If bracing and oral medications do not provide sufficient relief, a specialist may suggest a corticosteroid injection. This involves injecting a powerful anti-inflammatory agent directly into the carpal tunnel.
The goal is to shrink the swelling of the synovium (the casing around the tendons), giving the median nerve more room. This can provide relief for several months and helps the doctor predict whether surgery would be successful.
6. Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
When symptoms are severe or if conservative treatments have failed to provide relief after several months, surgery becomes the best option to prevent permanent nerve damage. The procedure, known as a carpal tunnel release, involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to increase the size of the tunnel and decrease pressure on the nerve.
Surgeons at The Center for Bone and Joint Disease typically use one of two methods: Open Release or Endoscopic Release.
Open vs. Endoscopic Surgery
| Feature | Open Carpal Tunnel Release | Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release |
|---|---|---|
| Incision Size | Larger incision (up to 2 inches) in the palm. | One or two tiny incisions (about ½ inch) in wrist/palm. |
| Visibility | Doctor views the ligament directly. | Doctor uses a tiny camera to view the ligament. |
| Recovery Time | Slightly longer recovery for the skin/palm to heal. | Often allows for a faster return to normal activities. |
| Scarring | More visible scar on the palm. | Minimal scarring. |
Both surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients go home the same day. The specialist will determine which approach is best based on the patient's specific anatomy and medical history.
In addition to surgical options, The Center for Bone and Joint Disease offers non-surgical treatments like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for pain management. Our physiatrists, Dr. Huy Nguyen and Dr. Christopher Reyher, specialize in this minimally invasive procedure. RFA uses heat to target specific nerves, providing long-lasting pain relief without the need for surgery.
Stop Living With Wrist Pain Today
Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand are not symptoms you should ignore. Early intervention is the key to preventing long-term nerve damage and avoiding complex surgeries down the road. The Center for Bone and Joint Disease is dedicated to helping patients in Florida find the most effective, least invasive path to recovery.
If you are struggling with daily tasks due to wrist discomfort, schedule an appointment with The Center for Bone and Joint Disease for expert orthopedic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
While there isn't always one single cause, a combination of factors usually contributes to the condition. These include anatomy (some people naturally have smaller carpal tunnels), repetitive hand motions (like typing or assembly line work), and health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid imbalance.
Will the pain go away on its own?
In very mild cases caused by a temporary activity or pregnancy, symptoms may resolve on their own. However, for most people, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is progressive. Without intervention—such as bracing or ergonomic changes—the pressure on the nerve often increases over time, leading to worsening pain and potential muscle weakness.
How long does it take to recover from surgery?
Recovery varies by patient and the type of surgery performed. Most patients feel relief from the numbness immediately. The soreness from the incision typically heals within a few weeks, but regaining full grip strength can take a few months. Most people can return to light office work within a few days to a week.
