Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve -- a major nerve in the hand – as it travels through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist. The tendons in the carpal tunnel or their lining become thick from chronic irritation, trapping the nerve under the transverse carpal ligament (TCL).

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Researchers don’t agree on what causes carpal tunnel syndrome. Some studies suggest the anatomy of your wrist and certain health conditions are risk factors, and certain repetitive motions or activities can aggravate it.  Women are three times more likely than men to get it, but it is so common that one in ten people will get it at some point.

What are the symptoms of CTS?

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Shock-like symptoms in the fingers or wrist
• Numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb through ring fingers
• Pain, numbness and tingling sensations that wake you up at night
• A weakened grip or loss of coordination

Carpal tunnel disease is a progressive condition that worsens without proper care.

How is diagnosed?

Our board-certified doctor will do a thorough physical examination and look at your medical history. Ultrasound and electrodiagnostic tests are effective ways to diagnose this condition.

What are the best carpal tunnel treatments?

Some cases respond well to noninvasive treatments, such as rest, splinting and cortisone injections. Severe cases respond better to surgery. We offer both traditional open surgery, and an ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release procedure.   

If you are experiencing pain, numbness or weakness in your hands or wrists, or have been told you need carpal tunnel surgery, get in touch with Orthopedic Specialists. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all hand conditions.