Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is more common than you might think, especially during the winter months when repetitive hand motions—like typing, gift wrapping, or even shoveling—are at their peak. The condition can cause pain, numbness, and tingling, making everyday tasks challenging. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage.
At OrthoArkansas, we specialize in treating conditions like CTS with a comprehensive range of therapies. Here’s everything you need to know about this common condition and how to manage it.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm to your hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This nerve controls sensation and movement in your thumb and fingers. When it’s compressed, symptoms can include:
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
- Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects.
- Pain that can extend from the wrist up the arm.
Causes of CTS
The condition often develops due to repetitive hand movements, but other factors such as arthritis, pregnancy, or even wrist injuries can increase your risk.
Treatment Options at OrthoArkansas
We offer a variety of treatment options, tailored to the severity of your condition:
- Wrist Splints: A wrist splint can help keep your wrist in a neutral position, particularly at night, to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
- Physical Therapy: Hand and wrist exercises can help improve strength and flexibility while reducing nerve compression.
- Corticosteroid Injections: For more severe cases, injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: If conservative treatments aren’t effective, we offer surgical options to relieve the pressure on your median nerve and restore function.
When to See a Specialist
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms for several weeks or they’re worsening, it’s time to see a specialist. Our hand and wrist experts at OrthoArkansas provide personalized care, from diagnosis to recovery.
Explore our Hand and Wrist Services to learn more about how we can help you get back to your daily routine, pain-free.
