FAQ About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do your fingers tingle, hurt, or generally feel numb? If so, you could be dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a condition that can, fortunately, be treated here at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center in Leesville, Mansura, and Deridder, LA. Led by Dr. Traina, read on to learn how we can help manage your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.

FAQs about carpal tunnel syndrome

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Most people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome complain of numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, as well as pain in the wrist and loss of strength across the palm. The Cleveland Clinic reports that symptoms increase at night or with repetitive activities such as hammering or keyboarding.

What causes these symptoms?

The carpal tunnel in the wrist is composed of bone, ligaments, and tendons. The median nerve traverses this tunnel into the hand. If the tunnel becomes too narrow, it traps the nerve, compressing it, leading to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Other factors which contribute to this chronic hand and wrist condition are:

  • Age
  • Heredity
  • Arthritis
  • Fracture or a similar injury to the wrist
  • Repetitive motions such as hammering, cutting hair (if you're a stylist), playing the piano, or typing
  • Diabetes

How will my problem be diagnosed and treated?

At our offices in Leesville, Mansura, and Deridder, LA, Dr. Traina diagnoses and treats this condition. He carefully listens to symptoms and performs X-ray imaging. Also, electrical nerve conduction tests and a simple assessment referred to as Tinel's sign (tapping the wrist produces tingling in the hand) confirms carpal tunnel syndrome.

Some people do well with lifestyle modifications such as rest, desk chair elevation, and night splints to keep the wrists in a neutral position as they sleep. Medications such as over-the-counter ibuprofen and steroid injections to relieve inflammation.

What is carpal tunnel release surgery like?

In some cases, patients find little or varying relief from these simpler interventions and thus require surgery. Today's carpal tunnel release procedures produce small incisions and feature quick recovery times. Dr. Traina creates a small notch in the wrist bone and supportive tissue. This notching creates more space for the median nerve and takes the pressure off it.

Typically performed under local or twilight anesthesia, carpal tunnel release takes about half an hour and renders same-day relief. Overall, the long-term success rate is 90 percent, say experts at the Cleveland Clinic.

Do you have carpal tunnel symptoms?

At Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center in Leesville, Mansura, and Deridder, LA, Dr. Traina and his team can help you feel better and get your wrist and hand function back. Call one of our three locations for a friendly consultation: (337) 404-4075.

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