Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very common, although painful, condition. It usually affects those who spend a great deal of time typing on a keyboard. The carpal tunnel is an area within the wrist that houses the median nerve. Over time, as more and more pressure is put on the median nerve, this causes pain in the wrist, hand, and fingers.

​Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is characterized by moderate to severe pain in the wrist that radiates through your hand and into your fingers. In addition to pain, you may also experience tingling or sensations of numbness. Oftentimes, the pain will flare up, causing stinging that at first, you might associate with arthritis. However, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by problems with the tendons radiating to your fingers, and not the joints in your fingers.

​You may also find it difficult to grip an object with your hand, which is another common symptom.  The numbness you experience in your hand and fingers can make it impossible to hold anything. This is also a symptom that can flare up at any time and is not necessarily something you will experience at all times.

​Treatment:

Luckily, there are many things you can do on your own to bring relief. If you type for a living, or if you spend a lot of time on the computer, you should spend some time stretching your wrist, hand, and fingers before you begin working. A wrist brace can be very helpful for you because it releases the pressure from the bottom portion of the wrist.

There are a few tests we can do to determine whether or not you have carpal tunnel syndrome. ​The good news is, much of your pain can be managed with physical therapy, using a wrist brace and anti-inflammatory medications.  In some cases, surgery is needed.  However, we will be able to guide you in the treatment that is right for you and get you feeling better in no time.