Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Page Updated:

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. The bony section where this nerve and nine tendons pass from the arm into the hand is called the “carpal tunnel,” and when compressed, this puts pressure on the nerve, causing dysfunction of the nerve known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Those who suffer from the condition experience chronic symptoms including numbness, pins-and-needles, and weakened grip strength.

Causes

A variety of factors can create pressure on the nerve and contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether brought on from overuse, repetitive motion, or fluid buildup, some common causes include:

  • Swelling of the tendons
  • Dislocation of the joint
  • Fracture
  • Arthritis
  • High-energy repetitive motion
  • Fluid retention, often during pregnancy
  • Idiopathic

Other potential issues that can influence the development of carpal tunnel syndrome are thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Since there are so many factors that can ultimately cause the condition, it is important you see a qualified doctor to determine the best form of treatment for your carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary in those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, but the most prevalent signs people tend to experience entail:

  • Pain in one or both hands
  • Numbness
  • Tingling sensation
  • Weak hand grip
  • Dropping objects

You may feel discomfort in your thumb, index and middle fingers, palm, and wrist. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome often arise while doing routine activities like reading a newspaper or driving, and many people wake up at night with pain. In severe cases, a loss of sensation and strength may be permanent.

Treatment

To diagnose your condition, your doctor will go over your medical history, as well as consider how your hands are routinely used, making note of any prior injuries you may have had. A detailed physical examination will test the function of all the major nerves in both arms. An x-ray may be ordered to test for arthritis or a potential fracture, and you may also need laboratory tests. In addition, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist for electrodiagnostic studies to confirm your diagnosis and the baseline function of your nerves.

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can often be relieved without the need for surgery. Treatment may involve changing the way your hands are used, using a wrist splint to keep it straight (especially at night to limit your waking in pain), and possibly receiving steroid injections to reduce swelling.

If your condition does not improve, or if it is too severe to be treated non-invasively, you may require carpal tunnel surgery. This procedure is intended to create more space for the nerve inside the carpal tunnel. To do this, your doctor will carefully divide the ligament that covers the top of the tunnel at the palm side of your hand as well as the fascia of the forearm. You may be sore for several weeks to months following this surgery. While surgical treatment will usually provide great results, it is possible that your symptoms may not be completely resolved, especially for those with severe and long-standing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Consultations

If you would like more information about carpal tunnel syndrome, or to learn how you can treat your condition, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

Carpal tunnel is the most common compression neuropathy in the upper extremity; however, compression of the other major nerve in the arm happens frequently as well. Other nerve compression syndromes such as cubital tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed and treated by the surgeons at New York Plastic Surgical Group, a Division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group. Call to schedule a consultation today.

Contact Us

The Doctors at New York Plastic Surgical Group have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Us

Virtual Appointments Available

*Checking this box is my consent to receive phone calls, text messages and emails about my healthcare from New York Plastic Surgical Group. I understand that this consent is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services, I can opt out at any time, message/data rates may apply, and opting-in includes acceptance of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Communications through our website or via email are not encrypted and are not necessarily secure. Use of the internet or email is for your convenience only, and by using them, you assume the risk of unauthorized use.

View Our Locations

Mobile Map Image
NYPS Group LOCATIONS

Stamford

1290 Summer Street
Stamford CT, 06905

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Astoria 

30-16 30th Drive
NY, 11102

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Babylon

200 West Main Street
Babylon NY, 11702

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Brooklyn

86 Saint Felix Street
NY, 11217

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Brooklyn – Park Slope

330 9th Street
NY, 11215

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Connecticut

5520 Park Avenue
Trumbull CT, 06611

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

East Hills

2200 Northern Boulevard
Greenvale NY, 11548

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Flushing

136-20 38th Avenue
NY, 11354

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Garden City

999 Franklin Avenue
Garden City NY, 11530

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Huntington

206 East Jericho Turnpike
Huntington Station NY, 11746

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Manhattan

5 Columbus Circle
New York NY, 10019

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Manhattan Uptown

1040 Park Avenue
New York NY, 10028

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo

Westchester

222 Westchester Avenue
Harrison NY, 10604

Driving Directions

NYPSG logo