Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in San Leandro
The wrists are flexible joints that provide support and dexterity for the hands. Nerves pass through the wrist joint to the hand and fingers, relaying nerve signals for sensation and strength. When the wrist joint becomes inflamed from repetitive injuries, pressure can be placed on the median nerve that runs through tunnels in the wrist, causing hand/wrist pain and weakness. This condition is called carpal tunnel syndrome, a common repetitive movement injury. If you need carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in San Leandro, CA, come see us at Allied Pain & Spine Institute.
The carpal tunnel is a nerve pathway on the palm side of the wrist. A network of small bones and ligaments create a tunnel that protects the median nerve as it passes through to the inside of the hand. Bending the wrist forward can put pressure on the tunnel – repetitive movements, injuries, health conditions and other factors can result in the tunnel collapsing, putting pressure on the median nerve.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
When the median nerve is compressed, it affects the function of the hand and fingers. The main fingers impacted by a pinched median nerve are the thumb, index and middle fingers. Since these are the key fingers for most hand movements, carpal tunnel syndrome can greatly impact function. Some of the symptoms you may experience with this nerve condition include:
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers and thumb
- Weakness and lost dexterity in the fingers and thumb
- Pain or a “shocking” sensation in the inner fingers and thumb
All the first three fingers and thumb may experience symptoms, but carpal tunnel syndrome does not affect the pinky finger. Different nerves serve the pinky – pinky numbness or weakness indicate cubital tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment can help relieve pressure on the median nerve to restore hand function and relieve symptoms. Conservative treatments are recommended at Allied Pain & Spine Institute – patients respond well to a combination of physical therapy, medication management, occupational therapy and injection therapy. Surgery is only recommended when non-invasive treatments are ineffective and the patient has lost extensive hand function.
If you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, do not wait to begin treatment. The sooner you begin therapy, the better chance you have to restore hand and finger function. Contact our team at Allied Pain & Spine Institute to schedule a carpal tunnel syndrome consultation at our medical center in San Leandro, CA.
