The Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Treatment Options

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that most people are familiar with. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome causes numbness, tingling, and other sensations throughout the hand, wrist, and arm when the median nerve receives pressure. Most people think of this condition when considering computer work or hard labor, like construction jobs.

People are often worried they are developing or have developed carpal tunnel syndrome when they begin to notice tingling, numbness, and weakness throughout their arm or hand. This is because carpal tunnel syndrome can be a side effect of a pre-existing condition or it can be developed by repetitive actions that put stress or strain on the wrist or hands. Considering how often we use our hands and wrists in everyday activities, it’s no surprise that patients are consistently seeking out carpal tunnel syndrome information.

If you’re worried you may have developed carpal tunnel syndrome, or if you’re looking for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment, please read on to learn about the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome and how a pain management doctor can assist you with prevention, treatment, and pain management.

Note – if you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome, visit your doctor for a diagnosis. The below information should not be taken as medical advice and is merely intended as a guide to understand the common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome and the treatment options available.

Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Excess pressure on the wrist, most specifically the median nerve, is what causes the sensations (numbness, tingling, etc.) most commonly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

This pressure and following sensations can be caused by a pre-existing health condition or repetitive motions that stress and place pressure on the wrist. Oftentimes, there is no singular cause for carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis but instead, a pattern of behaviors and risk factors combined.

If you’re looking for the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, here is an overview of the health conditions, actions, and other stressors to be aware of. This list also includes risk profiles for those most likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

You are at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome if you experience or have any of the following:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid Dysfunction
• High Blood Pressure
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Obesity
• Injuries to the Wrist
• Excessive Keyboard and Mouse Use

• Hobbies that Strain the Wrist
• Prolonged Use of Power Tools
• Smoking Habits
• High Salt Intake
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Assigned-Female at Birth

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Options

Before treatment options are addressed, it’s important to note that some actions can be taken to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, or to help reduce the severity once symptoms appear. Always consult with your doctor if you feel persistent tingling, numbness, or weakness in any of your limbs.

Most often, carpal tunnel syndrome treatment options are non-surgical. The use of over-the-counter medications that reduce inflammation, wrist strengtheners, and other at-home activities can go a long way to reducing the symptoms and the severity.

Your carpal tunnel syndrome treatment plan will most likely include these steps first before moving on to other treatment options.

Non-surgical treatment options and prevention tips include:

• Resting of the wrist
• Frequent breaks from activities that cause overextension
• Wrist splints for sleep or activities
• Inflammation reduction medicine
• Ice or cold packs around affected area
• Steroid pills or shots
• Strengthening exercises, like yoga

Sometimes, if carpal tunnel syndrome is more advanced, surgical treatment is needed. This can either be done endoscopically or via open surgery. Your surgeon will discuss with you the right surgery option for your symptoms, along with each associated risk factor.

When to Seek a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor

Those who work construction, use a mouse often, have pre-existing conditions, wrist injuries, are born female, or are going through menopause are most at risk of being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. So the question becomes, when do you seek a diagnosis and treatment?

If your symptoms are severe enough to interrupt sleep, prevent everyday activities, cause weakness in your arm or hand, or if you feel persistent tingling or numbness in the hand, it is time to contact your local carpal tunnel syndrome doctor.

To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor will do a physical examination and more than likely a nerve test. A physical examination combined with a detailed history and nerve test can help confirm carpal tunnel syndrome in order to receive the proper treatment plan.

Set Up an Appointment with Pain Management Associates for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

At Pain Management Associates, we work with a variety of patient demographics who experience carpal tunnel syndrome. Each diagnosis and treatment plan we make focuses on each individual lifestyle and condition severity.

When seeking a carpal tunnel syndrome doctor, you should feel free to ask questions about the diagnosis, speak about the symptoms most affecting your life, and what lifestyle changes are available to you to make.

Visit our treatments and procedures page to learn more or contact us today to set up an appointment for carpal tunnel treatment.

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