Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do you have chronic pain in your wrists? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can develop from working at a computer or playing sports that cause repetitive stress to the wrists. To avoid complications and end the pain, visit Steven Gershon, M.D. at Gershon Pain Specialists. With an emphasis on nonsurgical approaches and interventional pain management, the practice offers both traditional and alternative treatments to help you manage pain and recover from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Constant stress on the hands and wrists can eventually turn into carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The condition happens when there’s excess pressure on the median nerve, which sits in the carpal tunnel of your wrist, due to inflammation of the surrounding tissue. The median nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the thumb and several fingers. Accordingly, when there’s pressure on this nerve because of swollen or inflamed tissues, extreme pain may result.

Who is at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome?

People most at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome are typically those who engage in repetitive hand and wrist motions throughout the day, like typing or playing the piano. Other people who might develop CTS include carpenters, assembly line workers, or mechanics. Even hobbies such as gardening, needlework, or golfing can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition may worsen with age without treatment.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are sometimes mistaken for other medical conditions, which is why it’s essential to have a proper diagnosis from a specialist. The most common signs of CTS include:

Numbness in the fingers or a feeling of pins and needles
A burning sensation in your thumb, index, and middle finger
Pain that travels up the arm to your elbow
Difficulty in making a simple fist
A swollen sensation in the fingers

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you might also have difficulty picking up, gripping, or dropping objects.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

At Gershon Pain Specialists, your physician may use various methods to improve your symptoms, and your treatment plan depends on the severity of your inflammation and pain. Options include:

Nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs
Occupational therapy
A splint, to keep the wrist immobilized
Corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel to help decrease inflammation
Physical therapy to help with strength and flexibility
MLS laser therapy to reduce inflammation and pain

Your physician can also recommend stretches to do at home to improve your results. In some cases, you may need surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. However, you only need to explore this option if your symptoms don’t respond to other treatments. Most people can recover using other treatment modalities and return to their normal activities, minus the pain.