Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatments

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) might be a relatively common condition, but it manifests in a range of symptoms that have various treatment options.

Typically, CTS occurs when the median nerve, traversing through the wrist’s carpal tunnel, gets compressed. That narrow passage in our wrists — surrounded by ligaments and bones — can be susceptible to inflammation or swelling, leading to nerve compression.

Mostly affecting women and the elderly, CTS can result in painful, debilitating symptoms that worsen over time when left untreated. However, timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent nerve and muscle damage, as we’ve seen firsthand with our patients at The Pain Experts of Arizona.

Diverse Symptoms

CTS presents a range of symptoms, primarily focused on the hand and wrist. Patients often report numbness, tingling, or burning, especially in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

These symptoms can lead patients to frequently drop objects, for example. Pain and tingling sensations may travel up the arm from the wrist, resulting in a limited range of motion and sporadic sensations of pain or shock.

Prevention and Management

In the early stages of the condition, prevention and management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be achieved several ways. They include:

• Risk Reduction: While completely preventing CTS might not be feasible, patients can take several steps to minimize the risk. Those could be taking regular breaks from repetitive tasks, maintaining a healthy posture, and using ergonomic devices to reduce strain on the wrists.
• Wrist Splint: Wearing a wrist splint can stabilize the wrist, reducing pressure on the nerve. Splints can be easily found at many drugstores or prescribed by a medical professional.

Additional Treatment Options

If those measures don’t adequately address the problem, the following treatments may also be considered:

• Medication: Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can provide pain relief. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, anticonvulsants, or anesthetics. Topical products containing lidocaine can also alleviate pain or other symptoms.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the wrist.
• Surgery: If non-surgical treatments fail and/or symptoms worsen, a specialist may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Schedule a Consultation Today 

Experiencing symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Arizona?

Schedule an appointment with The Pain Experts of Arizona and start a treatment regimen that will allow you to get back the active lifestyle you love.

Serving Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and the entire Phoenix area, our team is dedicated to helping you overcome your pain. Reach us at (480) 542-6487 to schedule a consultation.