Carpal Tunnel Numbness & Pain
When you experience numbness, pain, or both in your hands, it is possible you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is highly common among those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s and more often seen in females than males. It can usually be diagnosed fairly quickly by a specialist. There are many treatment options available, all of which can be prescribed by our specialists.
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What Causes Carpal Tunnel?
Numbness and pain from carpal tunnel occurs because the median nerve, which travels from your arm through your wrist and into your hand, goes through a tight tunnel along with several tendons. In this small tunnel, the tendons and nerve can be surrounded by tissue buildup and inflammation. When there is extra tissue buildup and inflammation, the median nerve is compressed and generates numbness and pain.
Daily strenuous activities you perform with your hands can cause carpal tunnel throughout your life. Carpal tunnel can also be hereditary. For example if you have a smaller tunnel in your hand and the median nerve is in a tight spot in the wrist, you may get carpal tunnel syndrome regardless of your daily activity.
Common Risk Factors That May Cause Carpal Tunnel
A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of developing a condition or disease. For carpal tunnel these risk factors include:
- Wrist injury that causes swelling
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Fluid buildup from pregnancy
- A cyst or tumor in the wrist
- Consistent stress on the wrist
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Women
Women have a slightly higher chance of having carpal tunnel syndrome during their lifetime. People who have major fluid changes, like pregnant women, can be more likely to experiencing carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel in pregnant women is very common as well as post-menopausal women. It can even affect some women during their menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy Hand Numbness & Pain
If you are pregnant and have experienced new numbness and pain in your hands, it is possible those symptoms may diminish after pregnancy. During pregnancy a cortisone injection could provide temporary relief. This can allow for a more comfortable pregnancy and often after delivery all previous symptoms are cured permanently.
In all cases a specialist will be able to discuss and determine the best treatment option for you.
Treatment Options
Your health care team will be able to prescribe the best treatment option for you. There are many options available including:
- Splints,
- Hand therapy,
- Hand exercises,
- Cortisone injection,
- Electro-diagnostics, and
- Surgery.
Make an Appointment with Our Orthopedic Specialists
You might not think about how important your wrists and hands are to daily life—until they are hurt or injured. If you have been taking care of your wrist or hand pain at home and the symptoms are still present after seven to 10 days, it may be time to see one of our orthopedic doctors.
Referrals are welcome but not necessary. You can make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor by calling 801-213-4263.