Chances are you have carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful progressive condition caused by compression of the median nerve, tendons, and blood supply in the wrist.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel?
Symptoms include frequent burning, tingling, itching, and numbness in the palm of the hand through the tips of the second and middle finger. As the disease progresses, sufferers have pain from the palm through the wrist and forearm. Prolonged disease can cause a decrease of grip and pinch strength as well as muscle wasting (atrophy) on the thumb side of the palm. Touch or hot and cold sensation to the palm, fingertips and wrist may be disrupted which can present a safety issue for the person with carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the causes of carpal tunnel and who is at risk?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. People may be physically pre-disposed; the carpal tunnel is smaller in some people than others. People with diabetes and other metabolic disorders that directly affect the nerves may be more susceptible. There are many other contributing factors.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis and treatment are important for avoiding permanent damage to the median nerve. The Doctors at Northland Medical and Wellness Center examine a patient’s hands, arms, shoulders, spine, and neck to determine if the patient’s complaints are related to daily activities or an underlying disorder. The wrist is examined for tenderness, swelling, or warmth. Diagnosis may need to be confirmed with electro-diagnostic tests. Electromyography can be used to test nerve transmission along the median nerve. After our physicians have confirmed the carpal tunnel diagnosis, the patient is referred for multi-disciplinary nonsurgical interventions.
Treatment Non-surgical
Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome should begin as early as possible under a doctor’s direction. Northland Medical and Wellness Center offers full service nonsurgical medical treatment procedures for people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. We also may employ specialized wrist traction for the pain associated with CTS. Our non-surgical treatment program helps to reduce the numbness and/or pain as well as restore hand strength and function.
