South Florida Hand Center looks forward to hearing from you. Live person available to take your call 24/7.
Call us:
1-888-409-8006
You'll hear from us
Once you request an appointment online, one of our care center representatives will call you back to confirm your appointment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects both hands and forearms. It involves the nerves, bones, and ligaments that connect the arm and the hand. This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve runs the length of the arm, goes through a space in the wrist, and ends in the hand. This condition occurs when swelling puts pressure on the median nerve at the wrist.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain and cramping of hands and tingling of the fingers. Often this leads to patients waking up night wanting to shake-off their hands. In more severe cases, however, it can also result in weakness of the hands. It can be to the point that people involuntarily drop objects. As carpal tunnel progresses it can also cause cramping and pain of the forearm, arms, and even the neck muscles.
The numbness or tingling most often is felt in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. Symptoms usually are felt during the night but may also be noticed during daily activities such as driving or reading a newspaper. In severe cases, though, sensation and strength may be permanently lost.
Our orthopedic surgeons are experts in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether you have just begun to experience symptoms or have been experiencing them for a while, we can help with effective treatment. You can visit any of our offices in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Plantation, and Fort Lauderdale.
The cause of this condition is frequently unknown since the nerves can be pressured due to a variety of conditions or trauma. Below, there are some common causes of carpal tunnel.
To properly diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, your hand surgeon will take a comprehensive medical history. Which includes prior injuries, information of daily activities, and a history of symptoms. Electrodiagnostic tests such as EMG/NCS and Ultrasound can help to confirm the clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome too.
Most patients who experience mild cases can be treated non-surgically with NSAID, splinting, and physical therapy. Often lifestyle changes by reducing repetitive hand use also help. For moderate cases, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with steroid injection. While severe cases may require carpal tunnel surgery.
When symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment, surgery is often needed for severe cases. Carpal tunnel surgery involves relieving the pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament. Symptoms such as numbness and tingling may disappear quickly or slowly after surgery.