Even though the use of technology is beneficial in a lot of ways, it’s also caused an increase in carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a numbness and tingling in the hand and arm caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist.
What Are the Signs of Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually progresses gradually, starting with numbness and tingling in in your thumb, index and middle fingers that comes and goes. As it progresses, common symptoms include:
- Tingling or Numbness. Tingling and numbness are most common while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper, commonly waking you from sleeping. As carpal tunnel progresses, you might also notice numbness lasting for extended periods of time.
- Weakness. Numbness might also lead to weakness in the wrist, which can cause you to drop objects.
- Sharp pain at times.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel usually progresses gradually, starting with numbness and tingling in in your thumb, index and middle fingers that comes and goes. As it progresses, common symptoms include:
- Congenital predisposition. Some people have a smaller carpal tunnel than others, making them more susceptible to getting carpal tunnel.
- Trauma to the wrist that causes it to swell. Swelling narrows the carpal tunnel and irritates the nerve.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis. This particular type of arthritis causes antibodies to inappropriately attack the lining of the joints, which creates pain and swelling of the carpal tunnel.
- Pregnancy. Fluid retention from pregnancy can cause your wrist to swell. If this is the cause of carpal tunnel, it will most likely improve when your swelling goes away.
- Computer usage. The repetitive motion of typing can cause carpal tunnel depending on the way you hold your wrist when typing. Consult your physician for information on how to avoid carpal tunnel if you type often.
Treatment from the Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas
There are both non-surgical and surgical treatments if you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Non-surgical treatment options include pain medications, medications that reduce swelling, stretching and strengthening exercises, splinting, and steroid injections to reduce swelling.
Surgical treatment options. If you are finding it difficult to manage your symptoms using your current method of treatment, it may be time to consider a procedure to correct your carpal tunnel syndrome. The Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas utilize a no-stitch approach to treating carpal tunnel that alleviates symptoms without the need for invasive surgery.
To learn more about carpal tunnel treatments offered in the Houston area, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our four outstanding physicians today! You have the option to either request an appointment online, or simply give us a call at (713) 766-5964.
