Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. Dr. David Morwood is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive hand procedures and carpal tunnel treatment in Monterey, CA. While some cases of carpal tunnel can start as a mild annoyance, if left untreated, the condition can lead to chronic discomfort and a loss of function that is more difficult to reverse.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Early recognition and diagnosis of the following symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to more effective treatment outcomes. The condition manifests with several symptoms that may worsen over time that can include:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
- Pain or discomfort in the wrist or hand
- Weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects
- A sensation of swelling in the fingers, even without visible swelling
What Are the Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a passageway through the wrist carrying tendons and one of the hand’s major nerves. Pressure may build up within the tunnel due to a number of different reasons, including an underlying medical illness or disease. Certain types of repetitive hand, finger and wrist movements, such as typing can be the cause.
The resulting pressure on the nerve within the tunnel is what causes the tingling, aching and impaired functionality associated with carpal tunnel. Determining the underlying reason for your carpal tunnel from the following common causes is essential for determining the most effective treatment and to help identify how you can keep the condition from worsening or redeveloping.
- Repetitive hand movements, especially those involving gripping or typing
- Wrist anatomy, such as smaller carpal tunnels
- Health conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid dysfunction
- Pregnancy, due to hormonal changes and fluid retention
Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. Dr. Morwood utilizes comprehensive diagnostic methods to accurately diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These methods include:
- Medical history evaluation
- Physical examination focusing on the hands, wrists, and arms
- Nerve conduction studies to measure the electrical activity in the median nerve
- Electromyography (EMG) to assess the electrical activity of muscles
Consultation and Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A consultation with Dr. Morwood to perform a physical evaluation and review of your health and medication history is the first step. There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to treating carpal tunnel syndrome, and the doctor will recommend the best option based on the severity of your condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Wrist splinting to keep the wrist in a neutral position
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the wrist and hand muscles
Surgical Treatments:
Endoscopic Surgery- A minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera to during to surgically release the transverse carpal ligament.
Open Surgery- A traditional approach involving an incision in the wrist to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Recovery and Rehabilitation:
Dr. Morwood provides personalized recovery plans to help you regain full function. Whether treatment for your carpal tunnel is with or without surgery, physical rehabilitation exercises are a crucial part of an effective treatment approach.
- Following prescribed rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and flexibility
- Attending follow-up appointments for monitoring and adjustments
- Adhering to activity restrictions to avoid straining the wrist
- Using ergonomic devices and techniques to prevent recurrence
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Prevention strategies can reduce the risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Implementing the following preventative measures can help maintain hand and wrist health:
- Taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks
- Maintaining proper wrist and hand positioning
- Performing stretching and strengthening exercises
- Using ergonomic tools and workstations
Why Schedule a Carpal Tunnel Consultation with Dr. Morwood?
If suspect you are dealing with the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, please contact us to request an appointment. Dr. Morwood is a board-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training and extensive experience in performing microsurgery and reconstructive hand procedures.
For more information, or to schedule a consultation for a carpal tunnel evaluation, please contact the office of Dr. David Morwood in Monterey, CA.
