Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the severity of your condition. If you are experiencing any early symptoms of carpal tunnel, take frequent breaks to rest your hands, avoid any repetitive movements or activities that make your symptoms more intense and apply ice packs to reduce your swelling. Electromyography (EMG) - An electromyography study helps your doctor determine if the median nerve is working and if it is appropriately controlling your muscle movement.Įarly intervention and treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome are essential.X-ray - If you have evidence of trauma, arthritis, or limited wrist mobility, your doctor may order an X-ray.Your doctor will likely order diagnostic testing such as an X-ray or electromyography to determine how severe the pressure is on the median nerve. Determine if you have muscle atrophy around the base of the thumb.Evaluate the degree of fingernail and hand sensitivity with special instruments.Determine if there is a weakness around the base of the thumb.Examine the inside of your wrist to ascertain if the pressure in certain areas along the median nerve cause numbness or tingling.During a clinic visit, your doctor will take a full medical history, evaluate your symptoms, and examine your hands and wrists.ĭuring the examination, your doctor will: Your doctor can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. Monitor any conditions that are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.Take breaks from any activities that require repetitive hand movement.Avoid curling your wrist in and out repetitively.Sleep with your wrists in a straight position.Ensure you are using proper hand and wrist placement on a computer or workstation.While carpal tunnel syndrome is often challenging to prevent, some methods may help delay the onset, including: Having health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid gland imbalance.Performing activities that require flexion or extension of the hand or wrist.Using the hand in repetitive movements.Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, including: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome complicationsĬarpal tunnel syndrome can lead to weakness or inability to move your fingers or thumb if left untreated. Symptoms often appear at night or while holding an object such as a phone for an extended period. Difficulty with movements such as tying your shoe.Ĭarpal tunnel syndrome begins slowly and progressively worsens.Periodic shock-like sensations that affect the thumb and fingers.Pain, burning, numbness, or burning in the thumb and all the fingers except the pinkie finger.Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include: Most commonly, it develops from a condition that places pressure on the median nerve that runs through the hand and wrist.Īctivities or conditions that may cause carpal tunnel include: Several factors cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Treatment will vary depending upon the severity of your case and the underlying cause. The median nerve is a key nerve in the hand that controls the movement of your thumb and all other fingers except your pinky.Ĭarpal tunnel syndrome can be treated. It occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome, also commonly referred to as median nerve compression, is a hand condition that is characterized by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand.
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