Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Treatment Options

The median nerve, which regulates motion and feeling in the hand and its fingers, runs through a thin, fibrous channel in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Any shift in the location of the tissues around this area may easily irritate this nerve. As a result of this irritation, you might experience numbness, tingling, and even pain. This condition is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), symptoms can vary between the early stages and severe stages of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Some of the first signs of carpal tunnel may include:

• Lack of sensation or numbness
• Feelings of swelling or a lack of dexterity in the fingers
• Tingling or pain in the fingers

As symptoms progress, you might experience:

• Mild to severe pain, often worse at night
• Tingling throughout the day, particularly with specific activities like using your phone or driving
• Some reduced hand mobility
• Difficulty in using your hands for grasping objects or daily manual tasks

Treatment Options

You may be able to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from becoming worse over time if you address its underlying causes. If this isn’t an option, corticosteroid injections may give temporary relief that lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Corticosteroid Injections

For mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, a corticosteroid injection is usually recommended before surgical intervention. By reducing connective tissue swelling, corticosteroids decrease pressure on the median nerve. Under the guidance of ultrasound imagery, this injection combines a local anesthetic and a small dose of corticosteroid as it is administered into the carpal tunnel.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Surgery may be ideal for people who have been experiencing severe carpal tunnel symptoms for at least six to eight weeks (including considerable sleep disruptions or any muscular weakness) with no relief from nonsurgical treatment options.

During carpal tunnel release surgery, the surgeon will cut through the ligament that is responsible for the pressure. In most cases, this permanent procedure alleviates discomfort and restores function by allowing the median nerve and tendons more space to move through the tunnel.

Explore Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Dallas, TX

Texas Neurosurgery, LLP offers both corticosteroid injections and carpal tunnel release surgery in Dallas, TX. To explore your best option for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, schedule a consultation by calling (214) 823-2052 today.