Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition which causes uncomfortable and painful sensations in the thumb and fingers. It is a condition where the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through the wrist. The median nerve is key to controlling the thumb.
What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a painful condition. It causes aching, pain and tingling in either one or both hands. Some people also experience numbness and difficulty using the thumb and fingers, with a loss of dexterity. The condition usually comes on over a gradual period of a few weeks and the thumb usually experiences the worst symptoms, with index and middle fingers also being affected severely too. The aching pain from carpal tunnel syndrome can even spread up the arm and to the shoulder and neck.
Many patients experience a worsening in their symptoms at night. The condition can cause sleep disturbance, or it can be worse first thing in the morning, after being inactive all night.
Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Different treatments are often suggested for carpal tunnel syndrome but there is no absolute cure. Not all cases deteriorate and often the condition can clear up on its own. Sometimes there is a particular cause for the symptoms and you can work with your doctor to treat the cause and relieve the condition.
Common treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Resting splints – used to rest the wrist in particular over night
- Working splints – used when symptoms are brought on by particular activities such as work, DIY or typing
- Steroid injections – helps to reduce inflammation and pain
- Surgery – when the median nerve is severely compressed, surgical treatment is an option
Make an Appointment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you would like to find out more or to make an appointment with Dr Stephanie Barrett please call 020 7730 8508 or make an appointment here.
