If you have recently or for quite some time noticed changes in the strength of your hands, it could be due to pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve is the sensory-motor nerve of the upper limb. It originates in the spine and comes together to form a single nerve in the arm, and passes through the carpal tunnel, which is located in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the anterior side of your hand.
When the median nerve is compressed in the tunnel, it becomes irritated, which causes symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
The median nerve, being a sensory nerve, provides sensation to the thumb and fingers, except the little finger. Thus, carpal tunnel symptoms are usually felt in them.
It is probably carpal tunnel syndrome if you notice a tingling in your hands and fingers. Patients describe it as something akin to an electric shock. The shock-like sensation can radiate to the thumb and all fingers except the little one.
Numbness is another common symptom. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience a loss of sensation in the hand and fingers. You may lack awareness of where your hand is in space.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can also cause weakness that results you dropping objects. Items that you could previously grasp and hold easily may become too heavy now. Members of your family may even notice that you’ve been “clumsy” lately.
Difficulty with using the hands for small tasks is also common. Examples include using scissors or tweezers, buttoning and unbuttoning shirts and jeans, grasping the steering wheel, holding a book with one hand or both hands, using the phone with one hand or both hands, and typing on a keyboard.
Tingling, numbness, and weakness that travel from the wrist up to your shoulder are other symptoms.
Causes
Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by a combination of factors and is rarely attributed to a single cause. Risk factors include a smaller wrist, repetitive hand use, movement errors or fault biomechanics, and health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Carpal tunnel symptoms usually come and go. As carpal tunnel syndrome worsens, as it usually does without treatment, the symptoms can become constant. Eventually, it could lead to permanent nerve damage.
For pain relief and to regain hand function, it’s better to seek early treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. We rely on our hands for so much, why not give them the best possible care?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Clinton Township, MI
At Movement Orthopedics, we have board-certified hand surgeon Dr. Troy R. “Keoni” Williams on our team to provide comprehensive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dr. Williams starts with non-surgical treatments and observes how you respond to them. Should you need surgery, Dr. Williams is highly skilled in open release and endoscopic procedures for carpal tunnel release.
Dr. Williams has lectured on several topics in hand conditions and is an expert on all things relating to hands. He strives to provide the best patient outcomes. To schedule a consultation, call our clinic at (586) 436-3785 or use our appointment request form.
