About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your wrist or hand, particularly in your thumb and first few fingers. Repetitive motions -- such as assembly line work, racquet sports, and typing -- are often the cause.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist where nerves and tendons pass through to your hand. If your tendons or tissues become swollen, they can compress a nerve, causing carpal tunnel syndrome. You’re more likely to get the condition if you have relatively small carpal tunnels. It can also occur due to a traumatic injury or following surgery.
When to Seek Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Rest, applying cold packs, and avoiding repetitive motion can help, but if your symptoms persist or interrupt your sleep or daily activities, it may be time to see a hand and wrist specialist. It’s important not to wait too long to get care; carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated.
Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatments Overview
Your Duke hand and wrist specialist will do a physical exam to rule out other wrist conditions with similar symptoms. He or she may also use tests such as nerve conduction studies or ultrasound to confirm your diagnosis.
Nonsurgical Treatments
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Whenever possible, our hand and wrist specialists use nonsurgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. These can include a wrist brace or splint, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), or steroid injections.
Description
Our hand and wrist care team includes occupational therapists who specialize in treating hand, wrist, and elbow conditions. If you have surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, you’ll also work with our occupational therapists to achieve maximum recovery and return quickly to your normal activities -- typically in less than two weeks.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Description
Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome involves cutting the ligament that forms part of the carpal tunnel. This creates a gap that eventually heals with scar tissue, providing a larger space and relieving pressure on the nerve. Where possible, our surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery, which uses very small incisions and miniature instruments to release the carpal tunnel. These procedures are used more commonly than open surgery and result in quicker recovery, with less pain and scarring.
