What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by increased pressure within the wrist, which is where the median nerve and nine tendons pass from the forearm to the hand. After enough pressure, the nerve becomes affected and a person will have tingling, numbness and pain, which may radiate to the hand and fingers.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
The cause for carpal tunnel is unknown. Pressure on the nerve can occur for different reasons: swelling in the lining of the flexor tendons, dislocations, fractures and arthritis. Any of these can lead to the narrowing of the tunnel through which the nerve and tendons pass. If the tunnel narrows or the tendons become swollen, more pressure is exerted on the nerve. Continually sleeping with the hand in a bent position can lead to stress and pressure on the nerve, causing the same results. Some types of repetitive motions – typing, for example – can also put pressure on this nerve if the hands are not in a proper position. Pregnancy may also increase the risk of carpal tunnel since swelling is common. This type of problem will usually disappear after delivery.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
To make a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, your hand surgeon will need a detailed medical history including any information about prior injuries, plus an understanding of how you use your hands. He or she may also want to have an x-ray taken to rule out the possibility of a fracture or arthritis. In most cases, an EMG (electromyogram) will be done to check for nerve problems in the hand. After your hand surgeon has accumulated your test results, a diagnosis can be developed.

What are the treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Depending on how mild or severe your condition is, conservative treatments may be used. Sometimes symptoms can be relieved by simply changing activities, wearing a soft splint on the wrist to help hold it in a straight position, and/or taking an anti-inflammatory medication to relieve the pain and symptoms. The Graston™ Technique is another option used in The Centre, P.C.'s Rehabilitation Clinic for treating carpal tunnel.

When symptoms do not improve through rehabilitation, hand surgery may be needed. During this surgical procedure, your hand surgeon will reduce the pressure on the nerve by cutting the top of the ligament that forms the top of the tunnel. This incision is made on the palm of the hand. Numbness and tingling may take awhile to disappear after surgery depending on your healing time. In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome does not totally disappear.

When hand surgery is required, The Centre, P.C. recommends the use of the VitaMedica Surgery Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing extensive surgical procedures.

Contact our cosmetic surgeons to schedule a consultation to discuss carpal tunnel syndrome. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

 

Elkhart Office

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-296-9100
FAX: 574-293-1511

South Bend Office

MEDICAL PAVILION I
720 EAST CEDAR STREET, SUITE 450
SOUTH BEND, IN 46617
PHONE: 574-233-9100
FAX: 574-233-9108

Chesterton Office

1830 SOUTH 11TH STREET
Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: 219-395-9200

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