What causes carpal tunnel pain?
Carpal tunnel pain occurs when your carpal tunnel that runs through your wrist starts narrowing. Under normal circumstances, your flexor tendons in your wrist are protected by the synovial membrane, which provides lubrication so you can easily move your fingers.
Carpal tunnel issues can occur when these flexor tendons swell due to overuse or when you have an injury. As your carpal tunnel becomes more narrow, soft tissues and synovium put pressure on your median nerve.
One of the most common causes of carpal tunnel issues, like carpal tunnel syndrome, is repetitive motion. Repeating the same hand and wrist motions for hours on end can aggravate your flexor tendons and lead to swelling. Your risk of suffering from carpal tunnel pain further increases due to:
- Inherited smaller carpal tunnel
- Trauma, like a slip and fall injury
- Pregnancy-related hormonal changes
- Medical conditions, including diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
- Participating in activities that require extensive wrist flexing, like typing
No matter what’s causing your carpal tunnel pain, chances are your discomfort is only going to worsen if you don’t seek proper medical intervention.
When should I see a doctor for carpal tunnel issues?
It’s important to schedule a carpal tunnel evaluation at Mehling Orthopedics as soon as you start experiencing wrist or hand pain. Dr. Mehling and Dr. Yufit encourage you to come in right away if you’re noticing:
- Burning or tingling in your fingers
- Hand, wrist, or finger numbness
- Difficulty grasping objects, like pens or cups
- Pain that radiates through your wrist and into your hand
Whether your carpal tunnel symptoms are occasional, or if they seem to affect you on a daily basis, you have options for relief at Mehling Orthopedics.
How are carpal tunnel injuries treated?
Your carpal tunnel injury treatment plan from Mehling Orthopedics depends on the cause of your condition and the severity of your symptoms. It’s common for carpal tunnel treatment plans to incorporate several different types of therapies, including:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Immobilization, such as splinting or bracing
- Regenerative medicine treatments
- Corticosteroid injections
- Activity modifications
- Physical therapy
If you have a severe carpal tunnel injury or agonizing carpal tunnel syndrome discomfort, Dr. Mehling and Dr. Yufit could recommend surgery. This type of procedure often involves making more room for your median nerve by carefully cutting into ligaments in your carpal tunnel. The end result is increased carpal tunnel space, which ultimately relieves pressure on your median nerve.
Get relief from carpal tunnel pain by starting treatment at Mehling Orthopedics right away. Click on the online booking feature or call your most convenient location to schedule.
