Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, weakness, tingling and other similar problems in your hand. Numerous tendons and the median nerve extend from your forearm into your hand through the carpal tunnel (a small space in your wrist).
The median nerve provides sensation to your thumb, part of the ring finger, middle finger and index finger. It is also responsible for supplying impulse to the muscle leading to the thumb. This syndrome can affect one or both of your hands. If left unattended, this condition can become quite painful.
There are a number of different things you can do to relieve the pain. However, it’s important to understand what the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of the condition are. This will help you get the right treatment at the right time and recover faster.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – The Causes
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. Anything that causes irritation or squeezes the median nerve may result in this condition. In most cases, there isn’t any single cause for carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s likely that a combination of different risk factors contributes to it, such as:
• Inflammation and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis can irritate this nerve, as can the narrowing of the carpal tunnel due to a wrist fracture
• Swelling caused by illnesses such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis,and hypothyroidism
• Repetitive hand and wrist movements
• During the movement, your hands are lower than your wrist, causing the latter to bend down
• Pregnancy
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – The Risk Factors
A number of different factors have been associated with this syndrome. Although these might not be the direct cause of the problem, they can contribute to the development or aggravation of median nerve damage. Some of these risk factors include:
• Anatomy – Arthritis, dislocation or a wrist fracture that deforms the wrist’s small bones, can narrow the area in the carpal tunnel; this puts pressure on the nerve. An individual with a narrow carpal tunnel is more likely to suffer from this condition. Since women have smaller carpal tunnels compared to men, the syndrome is more common in females
• Inflammatory conditions – Some illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis are characterized by inflammation. This can affect the tendon lining in your wrist, resulting in pressure on the median nerve
• Medical conditions – Conditions such as kidney failure, thyroid disorders, menopause, and obesity might increase the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Workplace factors – Working for long hours on assembly lines or with vibrating, mechanical tools may catalyze nerve damage, causing this problem.
Many people believe that carpal tunnel syndrome can also be a result of excessive computer use. But there isn’t consistent and quality evidence to indicate an association between the two. However, working extensively at a PC/laptop may cause a different type of hand pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – The Symptoms
Some common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
• Weakness and loss of coordination in the wrist muscles. This can impact movement in your thumb, causing you to drop things more frequently.
• A tingling sensation in your hands and fingers. You will feel a sensation similar to an electric shock running from the wrist up to your arm.
• Numbness that extends from your hand all the way to your shoulder.
There are a number of different causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, some of which are lifestyle-related as well. However, since this problem is associated with the median nerve, it’s important that you first consult a skilled and experienced Las Vegas neurologist like Dr. Russell Shah.
He is one of the most renowned neurologists in Nevada and patients from far and wide come to him for treatment. He usually diagnoses this syndrome based on your specific symptoms and his findings from a physical examination.
However, in some cases, you might require additional tests to ensure that these symptoms aren’t a result of some other condition. Sometimes, neuropathy (a form of nerve damage caused by diabetes etc.), a pinched nerve in the neck or arthritis can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – The Treatment
If the condition isn’t very severe, Dr. Shah may recommend some basic things such as:
• Ice the wrist or soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes in an ice bath, once or twice an hour.
• Use a wrist splint to maintain the right alignment in your hand.
• Shake your hand & wrist gently or hang it over the side of your bed to relieve nighttime pain.
• Take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen.
• Immerse your wrist in warm water and gently flex or move your wrist and hand. Do this at least three to four times each day.
Timely Intervention by the Best Neurologist in Las Vegas, NV
Dr. Shah is an outstanding Las Vegas neurologist who has treated everything from simple nerve-related disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome to more complex neuromuscular diseases. His diagnoses are always accurate and treatment, on point. This significantly improves the chances of a full recovery within the shortest timespan.
Unfortunately, there are times when patients wait for too long before consulting a doctor for the numbness or niggling pain in their wrist. This causes the problem to build up over time and become aggravated.
In these cases, even an experienced neurologist in Las Vegas like Dr. Shah may find that basic treatment to alleviate the condition hasn’t shown results. This is when he may recommend that you consider surgery. The procedure will help release the ligament in the wrist, easing the pressure on your median nerve.
Neurology and Internal Medicine Clinic Las Vegas
The right diagnosis, timely intervention, and appropriate treatment are key when it comes to treating carpal tunnel syndrome. When you opt for Radar Medical Center for this treatment, you are assured of the best outcome. Dr. Russell Shah has vast experience in the field and you will getworld-class medical care here.
As mentioned earlier, carpal tunnel syndrome may sometimes be caused by lifestyle-related diseases like obesity and diabetes. In these cases, treating the wrist condition would also involve treating the root cause. The advantage of choosing Radar Medical is that Dr. Dipti Shah who is an internist can treat these underlying causes. This holistic approach can help you recover from your carpal tunnel syndrome quickly.
For superior medical care, trust only the best neurologist in Las Vegas. For more information, call Radar Medical at 702 644 0500 or get in touch through our Contact Us form.
