Although there are many conditions similar to carpal tunnel the most common early sign of CTS is tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the thumb, index, middle, or ring fingers. This discomfort typically starts gradually and is often felt at night or when waking up but goes away quickly with shaking or massage.
Symptoms usually come and go at first, becoming more consistent over time. If you are experiencing the beginning stages of carpal tunnel, you might notice:
As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, symptoms become more frequent and longer-lasting. Numbness and tingling may extend from the hand to the wrist and forearm. Weakness and clumsiness may occur in the hand, making it difficult to perform some tasks of daily living.
During advanced or chronic stages of carpal tunnel syndrome, symptoms are constant and significant. There is persistent numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and thumb, also affecting the lower arm. In addition to the symptoms above, severe carpal tunnel syndrome may cause muscle atrophy or loss of muscle density at the base of the thumb. The following symptoms are also indicators of chronic CTS.
To find out if you have CTS, our doctors will do a physical exam of your wrist and hand and may order a nerve test to determine the severity of your condition. Depending on how severe the symptoms are, treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome can include wearing a wrist splint, changing activities to avoid strain on your wrist, getting a steroid shot, or having surgery to take pressure off the nerve.
Wrist Splinting
Wearing a wrist splint is typically one of the first treatments recommended for carpal tunnel syndrome. The rigid splint keeps the wrist in a neutral position, taking the pressure off the pinched median nerve. Splints are often recommended at night, but they may also be worn during the day for certain activities. This provides support, limits wrist flexing, and alleviates nerve compression. While this is not a cure, splints can provide significant symptom relief, especially for mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections into the area of the wrist affected (the carpal tunnel) is another standard, minimally invasive CTS treatment option. The steroid injection reduces inflammation around the median nerve, decreasing pressure on the nerve. Patients can experience symptom relief for up to 6 months after the injection, often delaying the need for surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
For severe or chronic carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be recommended. The goal of carpal tunnel release surgery is to relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament. This is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure providing nearly immediate pain relief for most patients. Recovery involves physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion. Though symptoms recur in a small percentage of patients, carpal tunnel surgery is highly effective at providing long-term relief when nonsurgical options are insufficient.
If symptoms develop, conservative treatments like over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, hand therapy, and steroid injections may provide relief along with lifestyle modifications.
The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction offers one-to-one consultations at all our locations for all the different types of carpal tunnel syndrome. The best treatment approach for you will depend on your unique needs and health-related factors. With this in mind, our highly skilled reconstructive plastic surgeons will review your medical history, answer your questions, and provide personalized surgical recommendations to reach your ideal outcome.