Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP

Orthopedic Surgery located in Houston, TX & The Greater Houston Area

The early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are so mild you may be tempted to ignore them, but prompt recognition and treatment are the keys to preventing progressive problems. The doctors at Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP thoroughly evaluate your wrist and hand and then develop an individualized treatment to restore optimal function. If you have questions about your symptoms or would like to schedule an appointment, call one of the nine offices in Houston, Texas, and the greater Houston area.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Q & A

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

The median nerve runs the full length of your arm and passes through your wrist on its way to your hand and fingers. It runs through a narrow channel, called the carpal tunnel. In addition to the nerve, several tendons also use the carpal tunnel to gain access to your hand and fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the nerve is pinched inside the channel. The space in the carpal tunnel can narrow and cause nerve problems for several reasons, including:

Repetitive use

Repeatedly using the same hand and finger movements causes inflamed tendons in the tunnel.

Hand and wrist position

Pressure increases on the nerve when you flex your wrist. Frequently performing activities that bend your wrist can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Wrist injuries

Injuries to the wrist can cause inflammation in the carpal tunnel. Additionally, a wrist fracture could damage the median nerve.

Hormonal changes

Thyroid disorders and hormone changes during pregnancy and menopause contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Health conditions

Arthritis may cause carpal tunnel inflammation, while diabetes can lead to nerve damage.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

If you don’t suffer a wrist injury, carpal tunnel develops gradually. Your symptoms may include:

Wrist pain
Hand weakness
Numbness and tingling in your hand or fingers
Dropping objects due to weakness or numbness
Tingling that radiates up your arm

Some patients feel like their fingers are swollen even though they’re not.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Early treatment is important because unrelieved pressure on the nerve can lead to nerve damage. Your doctor at Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP may recommend conservative measures such as:

Immobilizing your wrist with a splint
Modifying your activities
NSAIDs to relieve inflammation and pain
Steroid injections to reduce inflammation
Nerve gliding exercises

When conservative treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, you may need surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve. The team at Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP may perform minimally invasive or traditional open surgery, depending on your individual condition and surgical needs.

If you have symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, call Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP today.

What we offer