Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen over time and interfere with work, sleep, and daily activities.
Our practice offers comprehensive carpal tunnel diagnosis and treatment, led by board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic specialists focused on relieving symptoms and restoring hand function.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when swelling or pressure reduces space within the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve. Contributing factors may include:
- Repetitive hand and wrist motions
- Prolonged computer or device use
- Workplace ergonomics
- Wrist injuries or fractures
- Arthritis or inflammatory conditions
- Pregnancy-related swelling
- Diabetes or thyroid disorders
Often, multiple factors contribute to symptom development.
Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms may begin gradually and worsen over time, including:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Hand or wrist pain, especially at night
- Weak grip strength or clumsiness
- Dropping objects
- Pain radiating into the forearm
Early diagnosis can help prevent permanent nerve damage.
Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Our specialists perform a detailed physical exam and may recommend diagnostic testing such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to confirm median nerve compression and assess severity. Imaging may also be used to rule out other causes of wrist or hand pain.
Non-Surgical Carpal Tunnel Treatment Options
Many patients experience relief with conservative treatment, especially when diagnosed early. Non-surgical options may include:
- Wrist splinting, particularly at night
- Activity modification and ergonomic adjustments
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical or occupational therapy
These treatments aim to reduce inflammation, relieve nerve pressure, and improve hand function.
When Is Carpal Tunnel Surgery Needed?
Carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended when symptoms persist or worsen despite conservative care, or when nerve testing shows significant compression.
Surgery involves relieving pressure on the median nerve by releasing the transverse carpal ligament. This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and can provide long-term symptom relief.
Benefits of Carpal Tunnel Treatment
- Reduced numbness and tingling
- Improved hand strength and coordination
- Better sleep and comfort
- Prevention of permanent nerve damage
- Return to work and daily activities
Recovery and Long-Term Results
Recovery timelines vary depending on severity and treatment type. Many patients notice improvement soon after treatment, with continued gains in strength and sensation over time. Our team provides guided care and rehabilitation recommendations to support optimal recovery.
Schedule a Carpal Tunnel Evaluation
If hand or wrist symptoms are interfering with your daily life, early treatment can make a significant difference. Our experienced specialists provide personalized care focused on long-term relief and function.
Contact us today to schedule a carpal tunnel evaluation and explore your treatment options.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME Q&A
What Are The Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel?
Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pain
- Swelling
- Weakness
You may experience some or all of these symptoms in your thumb, your first three fingers, or your wrist. These symptoms can worsen over time if your wrist is strained or overstretched repeatedly. That’s why it’s important to get professional treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome before symptoms worsen significantly.
What Makes Carpal Tunnel Worse?
Some common activities that may worsen carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Repetitive motions of the hands or wrists, such as the motions involved in typing or piano playing
- Awkward hand and wrist positioning when engaging in repeated motions of the hands or wrists
- Prolonged vibration of hands or wrists, such as the vibrations caused by power tools
- Injuries to the hands or wrists, such as broken bones, dislocated bones, or bone spurs.
Carpal Tunnel Risk Factors
Certain medical conditions can make people more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome, such as:
- Obesity
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Lupus
- Hypothyroidism
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
Non Surgical Treatment for Carpal Tunnel
If your carpal tunnel syndrome is mild, it may be possible to manage your symptoms and treat your syndrome non-surgically.Non-surgical carpal tunnel syndrome treatment and management options include:
- Resting your fingers, hands, and wrists when you experience symptoms. Stop any activities that are causing you discomfort. You may resume activity gradually when symptoms improve. Remember to keep your wrists straight or slightly bent when resuming activities so as not to cause yourself further discomfort.
- Ice your wrists once or twice an hour for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Your doctor may recommend that you take an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain.
- Wear a special wrist splint to keep your wrist in a neutral position and prevent you from assuming an awkward hand position that could aggravate your symptoms.
- Exercises to increase hand and wrist flexibility and strength, as recommended by your doctor.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
If your carpal tunnel syndrome cannot be treated using non-surgical means, surgical treatment is an option. Your doctor will help you decide if surgery is right for you and will provide you with options for surgical treatment.
If you suspect that you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, please call Texas Orthopaedic Associates and make an appointment with one of our hand and wrist specialists in Dallas or Plano, TX. They’ll provide you with treatment options and work to get you the relief you seek.
Read more below about our expert hand specialists who have extensive training in treating Carpal Tunnel in one our Dallas or Plano offices.