Do you ever randomly get the feeling of “pins and needles” in your fingers? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your grip seems weaker, making it harder to open a jar or hold onto your phone? If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS): a common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist.
Signs That You Might Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms often start subtly, but they can worsen over time. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Numbness and Tingling: This usually affects the thumb and first three fingers (all except the pinky finger). Numbness or tingling may initially come and go, but over time can become chronic. This symptom often worsens at night or after certain activities that flex the wrist (like typing or driving).
- Pain: Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome feel sharp or burning pain in their wrist that may shoot up their arm or down into their fingers.
- Weakness and Decreased Grip Strength: CTS can weaken your grip, making it harder to hold objects securely or without dropping them. Weakness may affect the hand and fingers, and over time, you may even notice a loss of coordination in your fingers that limits your ability to perform fine motor tasks.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, there’s a good chance you may have developed carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s important to address these symptoms early, because if left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to long-term nerve damage.
What Can You Do About It?
The good news is that carpal tunnel syndrome is treatable! Depending on how severe your symptoms are, you may benefit from one or more of the following treatments:
- Wrist Splints: Wearing a splint (especially at night) helps keep your wrist in a neutral position, relieving pressure on the nerve.
- Taking Breaks and Adjusting Your Routine: If repetitive activities like typing trigger your symptoms, try to take breaks or adjust your routine. Making small ergonomic adjustments can help.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, may help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
- Steroid Injections: In some cases, cortisone injections may be recommended to relieve inflammation and pain.
- Physical Therapy and Stretching: Gentle hand and wrist exercises can improve wrist, hand, and finger movement, as well as reduce symptoms. A physical therapist can guide you in performing these exercises correctly.
- Surgery: If the above treatments don’t provide relief, a minor procedure called “carpal tunnel release surgery” can reduce the pressure on the median nerve. Surgery is usually outpatient, and most patients experience significant relief from symptoms after surgery.
When to See a Doctor
If your carpal tunnel symptoms are interfering with daily activities or aren’t improving with simple at-home treatments like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, or splinting, it’s time to consult an orthopedic specialist. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage and help you get back to doing what you love—without the frustrating pain and numbness!
Think you might have carpal tunnel syndrome? Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Reach out today to explore your treatment options with Dr. Nicholas Fort, our board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon. Call (305) 209-5522 or contact us online to book your appointment.