About the Treatment
Carpal tunnel syndrome is most commonly caused by pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway near your ligaments and bones on the palm side of your hand. Most common symptoms include tingling, weakness, and numbness in the arm and hand. Historically, carpal tunnel syndrome is contributed from repetitive hand motions.
As carpal tunnel is caused by repetitive motions, many people who spend most of their time typing usually experience carpal tunnel to some degree. Inflammatory responses to the hand, arm, and wrist may also develop carpal tunnel. Other common causes of developing carpal tunnel include high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, and old wrist injury.
Symptoms
Pain, numbness, tightness, and tingling in your wrist, hands, and fingers are the first signs of carpal tunnel. Many people experience weakness in your hand and drop objects. Weakness and tingling are often caused by the thumb’s pinching muscles, which operate the median nerve.
Treatment
If carpal tunnel is treated early on, there are behaviors that will help heal your symptoms on their own. In the early stages, more frequent breaks to rest your hands and apply cold packs to reduce swelling can quickly minimize your side effects and pain. If your condition persists over time, Desert Pain Specialists may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Minimally invasive surgery is also recommended if all other conservative therapies are ineffective.