Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a wrist condition. Carpal tunnel occurs when the transverse carpal ligament compresses the median nerve. The median nerve is important because its innervate muscles in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

Common Causes:

• • Repetitive motion with hands (i.e. typing, counting money)s
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • High blood pressure
  • Fracture
  • Injury

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may include:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness in the thumb and/or fingers
• Inability to grip

When you arrive for your initial consultation, an Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) Hand Specialist will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

When diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, our experts will provide:

• • • A medical, injury, and symptom history review
    • A physical examination
    • Multiple view x-rays (to rule out a fracture), MRI and EMG ( nerve conduction study)

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

The goal of treatment is to take pressure off the nerve and calm inflammation. Several nonsurgical treatment options may be used to accomplish this goal. They include:

Injections:

An injection of steroid and numbing medications quickly decreases inflammation and pain. Injections may be given in three-month intervals.

If nonsurgical treatment options do not improve symptoms, our physician may recommend surgery. A carpal tunnel release is a quick outpatient procedure. Symptom relief is experienced very quickly, sometimes within a few hours. The procedure is performed under local sedation so patients do not need to be put to sleep.