Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? When to seek expert advice.
We’ve all had moments where we accidentally drop a mug or struggle to open a jar. However, if you notice that you are increasingly dropping items, losing your grip strength, or waking up in the middle of the night to shake out numbness in your fingers, it might not be clumsiness. You could be experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed. This nerve travels from your forearm to your hand through a narrow gap in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. Because the median nerve controls sensation in your thumb and fingers, any pressure on it can cause uncomfortable symptoms.
What does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome feel like?
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel often start gradually and come and go at first, but they can become more persistent over time. Look out for:
Pins and needles: A tingling sensation in the thumb and fingers.
Waking up at night: Needing to shake your hand to get the feeling back or relieve a dull ache.
Hand and wrist pain: Discomfort that can sometimes radiate up into your forearm, elbow, or even your shoulder.
Weakness: A noticeable drop in grip strength, making simple daily tasks frustrating.
How is Carpal Tunnel diagnosed and treated?
At Midland Hand Clinic, Consultant Hand Surgeon, Mr Shyamalan begins with a comprehensive history and physical examination, and occasionally nerve conduction studies to measure how quickly electrical signals travel through the nerve.
Treatment doesn’t always mean going straight to surgery. For early or mild cases, conservative treatments can be highly effective:
Night splints to keep the wrist straight while you sleep.
Activity modification to reduce repetitive strain.
Steroid injections directly into the tunnel to reduce swelling and inflammation around the nerve.
If symptoms persist or nerve compression is severe, Carpal Tunnel Surgery may be recommended. Performed under local anaesthetic, this highly successful procedure involves making a small incision to release the tight ligament pressing on the nerve. Treating the compression early is vital to prevent permanent, long term nerve damage.
If you are experiencing any Carpal Tunnel Symptoms, book an appointment with Mr Shyamalan at Midland Hand Clinic.
How to book a consultation with Midland Hand Clinic
How to book a consultation with Midland Hand Clinic
Mr Shyamalan, Consultant Hand, Wrist and Elbow Surgeon at Midland Hand Clinic, specialises in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hand and wrist conditions.
Book your consultation with Mr Shyamalan at Midland Hand Clinic today to discuss your concerns and explore potential solutions. Submit an enquiry through our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
