Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Find out more about carpal tunnel syndrome and how Torrance Pain Institute can help you manage your pain, improve your quality of life, and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming more and more common today, particularly among people who work in front of computers for long periods of time. Don’t worry, however: the pain may be just temporary.
What carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition you may hear about a lot, especially in the digital age. It’s one of the most common physical problems that affect the hands, particularly if they are exposed to repeated and constant use. Apart from athletes, even the regular office worker and professional gamers may accrue carpal tunnel from long hours of mouse usage and keyboard typing. People who suffer from carpal tunnel feel pain and weakness in their hands and their wrists in particular.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is pressure in the wrist, particularly on a nerve called the median nerve. This nerve sends sensations to the thumb, index, and middle finger. High force or long-term use of the wrist, extreme motions, and vibrations could cause the syndrome to manifest. There are also factors such as heredity— smaller carpal tunnels among family members—pregnancy, wrist fractures, and dislocations, as well as deformities. All of these could be a cause of carpal tunnel.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The symptoms of carpal tunnel include numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. The tingling feels similar to what happens when a limb falls asleep as if you are experiencing small electric shocks. The tingling can travel from the wrist and to your arm. The numbness is particularly prominent during the night as well. Most daytime symptoms include less sensation in the fingers, weakness of grip, and difficulty handling small objects. It’s time to seek treatment if the signs and symptoms become persistent over time or if they interfere with daily life.
What is the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?
A median nerve block can help alleviate the numbness and tingling sensation in the nerve. Though it might cause a minor increase in the symptoms in the beginning, the following days bring relief from them, even up to seven days. However, it’s vital to speak to a pain management expert about the right treatment for you. Visit the Torrance Pain Institute to learn more about median nerve block in Torrance.