Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist

Woodlands Center For Special Surgery

Hand Surgeon & Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Specialists located in The Woodlands, TX

It’s easy to ignore the early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome because they’re mild and develop slowly. However, it’s important to get early treatment to prevent the condition from progressing to the point where you’ll need surgery. Dr. Mark Ciaglia, DO, and Dr. William J. Jordan, MD, at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery in The Woodlands and Willis, Texas, have the expertise and diagnostic equipment on-site to identify the problem and provide customized treatment. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Q & A

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

A nerve called the median nerve runs down each arm, then goes through your wrists and into your hands. The nerve, as well as nine tendons, pass through your wrist using a narrow channel called the carpal tunnel.

You have carpal tunnel syndrome when the nerve is compressed inside the channel. The space in the carpal tunnel can narrow and pinch the nerve for many reasons, such as:

Repetitive Use

Tendons in the tunnel become inflamed when you repeatedly perform the same hand and finger movements.

Hand and Wrist Position

When you extend or flex your wrist, pressure increases on the nerve. Frequently engaging in activities that bend your wrist leads to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Wrist Injuries

Any injury to your wrist may cause inflammation in the carpal tunnel. A wrist fracture could directly damage the nerve.

Health Conditions

Arthritis causes inflammation that can narrow the carpal tunnel and pinch your nerve. Diabetes may also increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes caused by thyroid disorders or that occur during menopause and pregnancy contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.

What symptoms will I develop due to carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops gradually, so your symptoms are mild at first. When you begin to notice the problem, you may experience:

Wrist pain
Numbness
Tingling
Weakness in your hand
Dropping things due to weakness or numbness
Tingling that radiates from your wrist to your fingers

Tingling or numbness most often affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Your fingers may also feel like they’re swollen even though they’re not.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Early treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome may include one or more of the following:

Immobilizing the wrist with a splint or brace
Modifying your activities
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and inflammation
Receiving steroid injections to significantly reduce inflammation
Practicing nerve gliding exercises

If conservative measures don’t help, you may need surgery to improve your symptoms. Dr. Ciaglia specializes in wrist surgery and has successfully helped many patients find relief with carpal tunnel release surgery.

Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen; call the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery today or book an appointment online to get expert treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.