How To Get Relief From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that is marked by the compression of the median nerve located in the wrist which causes increased pressure resulting in a decrease in function. Although most people who suffer from the symptoms of numbness and/or tingling along with difficult in using the affected hand associate the condition with over use and repeated small movements, there are actually many different causes of the condition. While there are conservative treatments available, a skilled orthopedic surgeon will often have the ability to determine which patients are most likely to benefit greatest from surgery.

Although the symptoms that accompany carpal tunnel syndrome result from the pressure on the wrist’s median nerve, there are different reasons that that this pressure occurs in the first place. Some illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, gout or diabetes can cause a decrease in the amount of blood flowing to the hands, leading to an increase in swelling of the soft tissue and joints. Other causes for carpal tunnel are:

• Fractures in the wrist
• Dislocated bones
• Bone spurs
• Growth that occurs when damaged bones heal

Any condition or situation that causes a decrease in space of the carpal tunnel will increase the pressure placed on the median nerve.

The different types of treatments available for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

• Avoiding the Situation Causing Symptoms
• Splinting
• Steroid Injections
• Occupational Therapy
• Range-of-Motion Exercises
• NSAIDS Drug Therapy
• Oral Corticosteroids

Surgery by an orthopedic surgeon is typically left as a last resort when other non-invasive methods do not work. Those patients with mild symptoms usually find relief by incorporating one or both of the first two treatments listed above.

Although repeated actions are not always to blame, they still contribute to the number of people who see an orthopedic surgeon each year for treatment of CTS. People who perform jobs that require them to use the same motions or use forceful hand movements are at a great risk of developing CTS. Some examples include typing on a computer or squeezing the handle on a pricing gun. Although removing yourself from the situation that is causing the symptoms is the first approach to treatment and may be enough to prevent the symptoms from worsening or recurring, it is not always possible to do so.

When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon

Everyone who experiences the beginning symptoms of CTS will not see a doctor. However, there are some symptoms that signal it is time to get help. These include:

• When initial symptoms of tingling and/or numbness fail to leave after home treatment
• You have lost any of the feeling in your hand or fingers
• You are unable to grasp objects
• You lack normal strength in your thumb
• You are experiencing a decline in quality of life or ability to work because of your symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, you may want to visit your primary care physician before scheduling an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to ensure another health condition isn’t contributing to your symptoms. To get advice from Phoenix based Surgeons, you may visit this website - Orthopedic Surgeons Phoenix Az.

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