Using your hands is a crucial part of functioning throughout your daily routine. However, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, making the simplest moves with your hands can be difficult, causing pain and frustration. At the practice of Anisa Yalom, MD, in northern San Diego, California, fellowship-trained hand surgeon Dr. Yalom provides treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’re struggling with using your hands, call or click online to book an appointment today.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the wrist and hand, resulting from pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel — a slender passageway in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments. This compression of the nerve can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms and impact your hand's functionality.
The symptoms of CTS can range from mild to severe. You might experience numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in your thumb, index, middle, and part of your ring fingers.
Weakness in your grip or difficulty holding onto objects may also occur. Pain might radiate from your wrist up your forearm, and you might notice symptoms worsening at night or when you wake up from sleep.
Certain factors might increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, including your:
Dr. Yalom can discuss the risk factors with you during an evaluation.
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life.
Mild cases of CTS might start with nonsurgical interventions, such as wearing a wrist splint to help keep your wrist in a neutral position and alleviate pressure on the median nerve. You can also modify your activities, avoiding repetitive motions and incorporating regular hand stretches.
For more severe cases, Dr. Yalom might recommend advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel to help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Surgery might also be considered, which involves cutting the ligament that forms the top of the carpal tunnel to release pressure on the median nerve.
If you have CTS surgery, your recovery might include wearing a splint for a short period to protect your wrist. In addition, physical therapy exercises can help you regain strength and flexibility in your hand and wrist.
Dr. Yalom guides you through the recovery process, monitoring your progress and addressing any concerns along the way.
Call or book online today to schedule an appointment about solutions for your carpal tunnel syndrome.