Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you’re suffering from finger pain, hand pain, wrist pain, or any upper extremity injuries, learn how Dr. AJ Julka and JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!

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What Our Patients Say

“I recently had carpal tunnel release surgery. I’d never had surgery before, not a fan of doctors and needles, so I was nervous to say the least. Any time I contacted their office, the team was responsive and professional, and the procedure was fairly quick and easy. Recovery takes time, but soon after surgery I noticed that the carpal tunnel symptoms in that hand were gone. I’m preparing to return for surgery on the other hand and feel confident that I chose the right doctor for the job.” — Dorian W.

Most of us use our hands and wrist every day, whether it’s for work, performing essential tasks, or a hobby that enriches our life. If we notice pain, naturally, it can become a source of concern. Perhaps you find yourself in this situation.

At JIS Orthopedics, we understand how concerning this situation can be. This pain may be an indication that you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Our expert team has helped many with hand and wrist conditions and would love to help you as well. If relief is what you are searching for, look no further. Schedule an appointment at our New Albany or St. Clairsville, OH offices today!

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common condition that results from your median nerve being compressed. Your median nerve is one of the three primary nerves involved in hand function and sensation and passes from your wrist to your hand through the carpal tunnel.

The carpal tunnel is a tunnel within your wrist made up of carpal bones and a ligament called the transverse carpal ligament. There are times when this ligament thickens and causes the carpal tunnel to become smaller and compress the median nerve.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on your median nerve. Some factors that can increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Pregnancy
Problems with your neck that involve nerve compression
Repetitive use during work or hobbies
Diabetes
Smoking
Higher body mass index
Arthritis
Wrist dislocations/fractures

You may find it interesting to know that repetitive work by itself does not result in higher rates of carpal tunnel syndrome. Once you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome, activities in which you need a sustained grip can increase the pressure being put on the nerve.

If you happen to have a job where you use your hands a lot or participate in other activities that require the use of your hands, you may notice symptoms much earlier.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms may include:

Numbness
Tingling
Pain

It is important to note that these symptoms will primarily affect your thumb, index, and middle fingers and tend to worsen at night. You may wake up with a numb, “dead” hand.

If you notice that you wake up in the middle of the night to shake your hand awake, you may be experiencing early signs of this condition. It is important to keep in mind that some have experienced numbness in their entire hand or even their entire arm.

While numbness is the most common symptom, some individuals only experience pain in their hands or difficulty using their hands. This is more common among those who are 60 years and older. Additional signs may include dexterity issues and trouble completing fine motor tasks.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be difficult to diagnose without professional help because symptoms can vary from person to person. To provide an accurate diagnosis, your hand and wrist specialist will thoroughly review your medical history and perform a complete nerve examination.

This examination may include an evaluation for nerve function, nerve irritability, and any effect nerve compression is having on your hand muscles. Nerve conduction studies can assist your specialist in providing an accurate diagnosis.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

At JIS Orthopedics, we provide non-surgical and surgical treatment options to best care for your individual needs. You may find comfort in knowing that mild cases of this syndrome can often be treated without surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Some of the most effective non-surgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Stretching exercises called nerve glides. An occupational therapist can teach you how to perform these exercises
Wearing a wrist splint (especially at night) to keep your wrist in a straight position to prevent pressure on your nerve.
Cortisone injections to reduce swelling around the nerve. This can be particularly beneficial for pregnant women and those in the early stages of the condition.

Surgical Treatment Methods for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If your body does not respond to non-surgical methods, your specialist may recommend surgery. There are 3 main types of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, and they are as follows:

Open carpal tunnel release surgery typically involves a large incision measuring 2-4 inches. The purpose of the incision is to provide surgeons with a direct view of the ligament so that it can be cut.
Mini-open carpal tunnel surgery requires a much smaller incision. It is performed with specialized instruments so the ligament can be cut without cutting as much of the skin.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is a minimally invasive version of carpal tunnel release that requires only a tiny incision at the base of the hand. This type of surgery leaves almost no visible scarring.

Generally, those who require surgery can undergo endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Those with mild or moderate symptoms should expect to feel relief from numbness and tingling within a week or two after surgery.

For those with more severe symptoms, it can take up to six months to resolve numbness. However, dexterity issues can often improve relatively quickly after surgery.

Thankfully, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated! If you’re having hand or wrist pain, our hand and wrist specialists at JIS Orthopedics will be able to assist you.

Our offices are conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Medically reviewed by AJ Julka, MD