Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain Management

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that affects the wrist and arm. The median nerve runs through the length of the arm. The nerve runs through the passage in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. Increased pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

When tissues that surround the flexor tendons swell or when the carpal tunnel narrows down, it puts pressure on the median nerve. The abnormal pressure on the median nerve causes considerable pain.

Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Repetitive Hand Use - Repeating the same wrist and hand movements or activities over a prolonged period of time will aggravate the tendons in the wrist. This will cause swelling and put pressure on the nerve.

• Hand and Wrist Position - Doing activities involving an extreme extension or flexion of the wrist or hand for a prolonged period of time increases pressure on the nerve.

• Health Conditions - Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid gland imbalance are health conditions associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Heredity - The carpal tunnel is smaller in some people or anatomic differences limit the amount of space for the nerve. These factors are mostly heredity.

• Pregnancy - Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause swelling of the carpal tunnel.

Symptoms

The symptoms start gradually. The initial symptoms include tingling or numbness in the middle, index, and thumb fingers. Patients will feel discomfort in the palm and wrist.

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Pain, numbness, burning and tingling in the ring, middle, index, and thumb fingers.
• Pain or tingling from up the forearm towards the shoulder.
• Irregular shock-like sensations. The sensations radiate to the ring, middle, index, and thumb fingers.
• Loss of coordination and strength. This makes it difficult to perform simple activities like lifting things with your hands.
• Weakness in the hand.
• Difficulty gripping things.

Treatment

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome worsen without treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment will stop the progression of the painful condition.

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Bracing or Splinting

Keep the wrist from bending by wearing a brace or splint when you sleep. Keeping the wrist in a straight position will relieve pressure on the nerve. The brace can also be worn during the day to protect the wrist.

• Activity Changes

Activities that aggravate the symptoms should be changed or modified. This will help slow the progression of the disease. Avoid keeping the wrist and hand in the same position for prolonged periods.

• Nerve Gliding Exercises

Nerve gliding exercises help the median nerve to move freely within the carpal tunnel. A physical therapist may recommend specific exercises depending on the severity of the pain.

• Steroid Injections

Steroid injections help relieve painful symptoms. Doctors use the cortisone injection to diagnose the carpal tunnel syndrome.

Surgery

Surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The two different surgical techniques that are used include:

• Open carpal tunnel release
• Endoscopic carpal tunnel release

360 Pain Treatment helps manage pain with physical activity, medications, and activity modification. The goal of the treatment is to get the patient back to their normal routine with minimal downtime.

Dr. Raju Mantena determines the underlying condition for the pain. This helps in creating a treatment plan based on the symptoms. The comprehensive treatment by Dr. Raju Mantena will help you get back to doing things you love.

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