Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common source of pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the fingers and hand. While its symptoms may appear gradually and seem tolerable initially, early diagnosis and treatment are vital to rule out underlying medical and trauma disorders, avoid permanent damage, and possibly forego the need for surgery. Patients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and other FL cities who are experiencing these symptoms are welcome to consult with the Board-certified physicians and surgeons at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group.
A progressive condition, carpal tunnel syndrome stems from pressure on the median nerve, which controls movement and feeling in the thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers. The median nerve runs from the forearm to the hand through a small, rigid passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. When this area is compressed, pressure is exerted on the median nerve, which can lead to pain and other hand problems. Sources of compression frequently include:
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements, particularly when the wrist is bent downward, with the hand positioned lower than the wrist
- Bone spurs and wrist injuries that result in swelling that narrows the carpal tunnel
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and infection
- Nerve-damaging conditions like diabetes and alcoholism
- Pregnancy, obesity, and hypothyroidism, which can alter the balance of bodily fluids
- Smoking, which can reduce blood flow to the median nerve
You can trust the expert medical staff at Tampa Orthopaedic to carefully evaluate your condition and determine whether you may benefit from a conservative treatment regimen for carpal tunnel syndrome, which may include:
- Wrist immobilization
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy that incorporates stretching and strengthening exercises
- Cold packs to reduce inflammation
- And more
If your symptoms are severe or unresponsive to non-operative options like these, orthopaedic hand surgery may be recommended to treat your carpal tunnel syndrome. Should you require surgical intervention, our Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Murphy, will fully explain your options.
Contact Tampa Orthopaedic today if you would like to learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome. We treat all orthopaedic conditions, including knee problems, and we see patients from Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties in Florida, and beyond.
