Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms

Key symptoms include pain in the hand and arm with numbness or tingling. Some people also experience:

• Hand numbness
• Pins and needles
• Hand clumsiness
• Hand pain at night
• Hand and/or wrist weakness

Risk Factors/Causes

Medical conditions sometimes linked to carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Obesity
• Hypothyroidism
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Trauma

Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. When the condition is brought on by pregnancy, the symptoms usually clear up within a few months after delivery. Certain jobs that involve repeating the same motion with your arm over a long time may raise your chances of developing the condition.

Treatment Options

The first line of treatment for carpal tunnel can include anti-inflammatory medications, occupational therapy, wrist splints, steroid injections and workplace adjustments. When these measures fail to bring lasting relief, Dr. Kalra may recommend a surgical procedure called Carpal Tunnel Release.

Carpal Tunnel Release is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States and has an excellent success rate. Surgery involves separating a ligament around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand. Surgery is usually done under local or regional anesthesia (involving some sedation) and does not require an overnight hospital stay.

New Hope From a Compassionate Expert

When world-class training meets hometown values deeply rooted in family and community, the result is the kind of medical care you’ve always hoped for. This describes Kalra Brain & Spine, the practice of Dr. Ricky Kalra. If wrist pain is affecting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kalra today.