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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis & Treatment at Mir Neurology

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve – which runs from your forearm to the palm of your hand – becomes compressed or pinched at the wrist. This nerve compression causes a variety of symptoms, primarily affecting the hand and wrist, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often associated with repetitive hand movements, but it can also develop due to underlying health conditions, injuries, or anatomical factors. At Mir Neurology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with a comprehensive, personalized approach to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can range from mild to severe, and they may develop gradually. Common signs of CTS include:

1. Numbness & Tingling

Numbness or a "pins and needles" sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
These sensations often occur during activities like typing, holding a phone, or driving.

2. Pain

Pain or discomfort in the wrist, hand, or fingers, which may extend to the forearm.
Pain often worsens at night and may interfere with sleep.
Aching or burning sensations in the wrist or palm of the hand.

3. Weakness

Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects.
Difficulty with tasks like opening jars, buttoning clothes, or holding onto a phone or pen.

4. Decreased Coordination

The hand may feel clumsy or less coordinated due to reduced strength and sensation.

5. Worsening Symptoms

Symptoms often worsen over time, particularly with repetitive activities or after long periods of wrist flexion.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a neurologist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can develop due to a variety of factors, which include:

1. Repetitive Hand Movements

Activities that require repetitive wrist or hand movements, such as typing, using a mouse, or assembly line work, can put pressure on the median nerve.

2. Anatomical Factors

Some people may have a naturally smaller carpal tunnel, which can increase the likelihood of compression. Structural abnormalities, such as bone spurs, can also contribute.

3. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to fluid retention and swelling in the wrist, increasing pressure on the median nerve.

4. Medical Conditions

Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism can increase the risk of developing CTS due to nerve damage or inflammation.

5. Wrist Injuries

Previous wrist injuries, such as fractures or sprains, can cause scarring or swelling in the carpal tunnel, leading to compression of the median nerve.

6. Obesity

Excess weight can contribute to increased pressure on the wrist and the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome requires a thorough clinical evaluation. At Mir Neurology, we use a combination of physical exams, tests, and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

1. Physical Exam

Tinel's Sign – Tapping the wrist to see if it causes tingling sensations in the fingers.
Phalen’s Test – Holding the wrists in a flexed position to see if symptoms worsen.
Durkan's Compression Test – Pressing on the carpal tunnel to elicit symptoms.

2. Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)

An NCS measures how well the electrical signals travel through the median nerve, helping to identify any slowdowns or blockages in nerve conduction.

3. Electromyography (EMG)

An EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles and can help assess the extent of nerve damage caused by CTS.

4. Ultrasound or MRI

In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to visualize the median nerve and surrounding structures to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

At Mir Neurology, we offer various treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, ranging from non-invasive approaches to surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the condition.

1. Conservative Treatment

For mild to moderate cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, nonsurgical treatments may help alleviate symptoms:

Wrist Splints – Wearing a splint to keep the wrist in a neutral position, particularly at night, can relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Activity Modifications – Reducing or modifying activities that strain the wrist can help prevent further damage.
Ergonomic Adjustments – Adjusting your workstation or the way you perform repetitive tasks to reduce stress on the wrist.
Cold Compresses – Applying ice to the wrist to reduce swelling and inflammation.

2. Medications

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections – An injection of corticosteroids into the carpal tunnel can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation.

3. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles of the hand and wrist and improve flexibility. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve symptoms and prevent further injury.

Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

While not all cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Take frequent breaks during repetitive activities, especially those that involve the hands or wrists.
Practice proper ergonomics by adjusting your workspace to keep your wrists in a neutral position.
Maintain a healthy weight and manage underlying medical conditions like diabetes or arthritis.
Engage in regular hand and wrist exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.

Living with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

With the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can manage their symptoms and continue with daily activities. At Mir Neurology, we are committed to providing personalized care to help you regain function and reduce pain.

Get Expert Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline, early diagnosis is key to effective management. Consult with our neurology specialists for personalized assessment and care plans.

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Main Office - Cumberland, United States

Our main office is located in Cumberland, United States. Our doctors have office hours at additional locations in the Hagerstown area to better serve our patients.