Three million Americans are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome each year, making it a very common condition. It all starts with that infamous tingling sensation in your hands. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical advice from an orthopedic specialist as early as possible.
Carpal Tunnel Basics
The carpal tunnel is located on the palm side of the hand and provides passage for the median nerve. The median nerve runs down the arm and into the hand, controlling sensation and movement in the thumb and fingers. Nine flexor tendons pass through the carpal tunnel along with the median nerve to help bend the fingers.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome? To allow the flexor tendons to move freely, the carpal tunnel encases them in a sleeve and acts as a lubricant for the tissue. As the sleeve expands within the carpal tunnel, it puts pressure on the median nerve. The result of this pressure is why people with carpal tunnel syndrome experience numbness and tingling in the initial stages.
symptom
- Tingling and numbness throughout the fingers and hand are the most obvious symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The little finger is not affected because the median nerve does not pass through that finger. Typically, symptoms occur on the thumb and index, middle, or ring finger. These symptoms will not go away on their own. Without intervention, this numbness may spread to the arm, causing discomfort while driving or using a cell phone.
- Muscle weakness is another symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. Some people begin to notice themselves dropping things due to weakness in their hands and fingers. All of this can be traced to interference with the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, ultimately affecting the ability to move the fingers.
Solution:
Using an ergonomic workstation is the best strategy for preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. There are also ways to reduce stress on your hands and wrists. If your pain is severe and conservative methods are not working, surgery may be appropriate.
- Reduce force and relax your grip
- Take short, frequent breaks
- wrist splint
- corticosteroids
- Endoscopic surgery: Surgeons use a telescope-like device with a video camera that allows them to see inside the carpal tunnel. They can then cut the ligaments through small incisions in the hand or wrist.
- Open surgery: The surgeon cuts the ligament through an incision in the palm to free the nerve.
If your hands, wrists, or fingers are bothering you, contact Plastic Surgery Center of Florida today!
