CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
WHAT IS A CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?
Pain, numbness and tingling in your hand may be from carpal tunnel syndrome. It happens when the area around the main nerve to your hand is too tight. The nerve is called the median nerve. And the small space in your wrist where it passes is called the carpal tunnel.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
Any crowding of the median nerve can cause this problem. Wrist injuries, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are causes. Pregnancy and conditions that cause your body to hold onto fluid may also cause it.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women. You have a higher risk if your carpal tunnels are smaller than normal. Some think it’s caused by repeated motions of the hand and fingers, especially a lot of typing at the computer. But evidence for that link is not clear.
SYMPTOMS
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness or tingling in your hand. You may feel it in your thumb and in your index, middle and ring fingers. Your grip may be weak. Carpal tunnel syndrome may affect one or both hands.
TREATMENT
To get better, you may need to rest your hand and avoid doing the things that make your symptoms worse.
Ice, wrist splints, medicine and injections may help. If they don’t, surgery may be an option.Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for your needs
SIERRA NEUROSURGERY GROUP RESOURCES
All Sierra Neurosurgery Group physicians–Dr. Joseph Walker, Dr. John Davis, Dr. Dante F. Vacca, Dr. Hilari L. Fleming, Dr. Jay Morgan, Dr. Deven Khosla, Dr. David Leppla, Dr. Christopher Demers, and Dr. Michael S. B. Edwards–have extensive experience performing successful lumbar laminectomies and alleviating their patients’ pain, radiating numbness, weakness and cramping.
Dr. Morgan, When I first met you, I knew I could
trust you & what you say.
My first surgery was pain free. My second surgery was pain free & corrected the pinched nerves.
Everything you told me was true. Your knowledge of medicine & your truthfulness is so refreshing. You
really care about your patients. You answered all of my questions with straight talk.
I wish I could reward you in some way.
God Bless you and your family. — John M.