The carpal tunnel is a narrow tube of bone and ligaments running along the underside of the wrist. It houses the median nerve, which controls sensation in the palm side of the thumb and fingers (except the pinky). It also affects some hand muscles used to move the thumb and fingers.
When the median nerve is squeezed, the fingers and hand experience tingling, burning, or numbness — either all together or separately. This condition is carpal tunnel syndrome, and it can worsen over time. It is especially common in certain jobs and sports as a repetitive strain injury.
Main Street Health specializes in the prevention and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the effect of pressure on the median nerve. This nerve controls movement and sensation in the pointer, middle, and ring fingers, as well as the thumb. It runs along the underside of the forearm into the hand, passing through a small space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.
Pressure on the median nerve often results from a narrowing of the carpal tunnel. In turn, this pressure causes pain and weakness in the hand and fingers. Over time, carpal tunnel syndrome may progress to include pain or tingling along the arm. Left untreated, it can become debilitating.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are caused by compression of the median nerve when the carpal tunnel narrows.
Common causes of carpal tunnel narrowing include:
Because they contribute to these conditions, the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are:
The most common signs of carpal tunnel syndrome are:
In severe cases, or as the condition progresses, symptoms can include shooting pain up the arm, burning in the arm or forearm, or arm numbness.
Because carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen over time, you should get assessed by a professional as soon any of these symptoms appear.
The treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the type of symptoms and how severe they are. Occasional tingling, for example, can often be addressed with simple exercises. Chronic numbness or weakness, on the other hand, may require greater intervention.
Some of the most common carpal tunnel treatments are:
In extreme cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery relieves pressure on the nerve. Most people can be treated without surgery, though.
With several therapists offering numerous therapies in one convenient location, Main Street Health provides comprehensive carpal tunnel syndrome treatment. Contact our friendly staff to book your appointment.
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. At Main Street Health, we couldn’t agree more. To help you prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, our full-service clinic provides:
Our dedicated, experienced team is here to help you achieve and maintain optimum health. Visit or contact us today.
