Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms & Risk Factors

Did you know women are three times more likely then men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome? The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand.  The median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel and when compressed it can result in specific symptoms. An early diagnosis and treatment are important when experiencing carpal tunnel as symptoms often continue to worsen. Also, long term compression or irritation of the median nerve can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated. 

At NeuroCare of Texas in Frisco, Texas, Ahmad Saeed Ata, M.D. is board certified in neurology and neurophysiology (the study of nerve cells as they receive and transmit information). He has over twenty years experience diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome. This expertise allows Dr. Ata to utilize numerous in office diagnostic modalities including:

• Physical exam with specific tests to produce the symptoms of CTS
• Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Ultrasound
• Laboratory services 

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand becomes compressed in the carpal tunnel space of the wrist. The median nerve provides feeling to all your fingers (except the little finger) and controls some muscles at the base of the thumb. When this nerve entrapment occurs it results in pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and forearm. CTS is a common musculoskeletal complaint affecting five to ten million Americans each year. The good news is the majority of CTS can be treated without surgery. 

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically start gradually. Patients often report they feel like their fingers are useless. As symptoms progress patients typically experience tingling and weakness of the hand that may make it difficult to grasp objects or make small movements.  

• Loss of grip strength
• Difficulty with small movements of the hand and fingers (typing) 
• Difficulty determining hot and cold by touch
• Waking up during the night and feeling the need to shake out your hand or wrist
• Pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in wrist, hand, or fingers (except little finger)
• Numbness in the arm or hand
• Weakness in the arm or hand
• Tingling in the arm or hand

Am I at a high risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome?

• Being female you are three times more likely then men to experience CTS
• Health conditions increase the risk of CTS, diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid disorders
• Performing hand or wrist movements that involve extreme flexion or extension
• Performing tasks or work that involve repetitive hand usage 
• If your profession is assembly line work, construction, or administrative office work  
• If you perform repetitive hand or wrist movements with poor ergonomics 
• During pregnancy hormone related swelling and fluid retention occur causing fluid build up in the tissue of the wrist. This can result in compression of the medial nerve which produces CTS symptoms
• Having an anatomic abnormality that changes the shape or space of the carpal tunnel 

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

• Self care: ice, activity modification, heat, over the counter NSAIDs
• Prescription medication: steroids or anti-inflammatories
• Wrist braces or splints
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Injections: corticosteroids near the carpal tunnel
• Alternative therapies: acupuncture, yoga, ultrasound therapy
• Surgery: endoscopic or open carpal tunnel release

Living with numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands and wrists can lead to significant discomfort and potential irreversible nerve damage. These symptoms typically affect quality of life and leave patients searching for answers. In Dr. Ata’s twenty years of experience he has successfully helped thousands of patients overcome carpal tunnel syndrome. To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome or obtain the neurological care you need call us at 214-618-0808 or request an appointment with Dr. Ata through our website.