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Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common disease where a nerve in the hand becomes pinched. Typical symptoms are numbness or tingling in the hand which for many patients, can be severe enough to wake them up during the night.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors including:

  • A congenital predisposition – the carpal tunnel is smaller in some people than in others
  • Trauma or injury to the wrist that causes swelling, such as sprain or fracture
  • Work stress; repeated use of vibrating hand tools
  • Overactivity of the pituitary gland
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Mechanical problems in the wrist joint
  • Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause
  • The development of a cyst or tumor in the canal 

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is often clear after examination by a hand specialist and in most cases, a good look at patient history and a thorough physical examination are often all that is needed to make the diagnosis. For circumstances where the diagnosis is not obvious, a nerve conduction test is used to determine if the nerve is pinched and if there is any muscle damage present.

When diagnosed properly, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated effectively, with little downtime. Below are the three most common treatment options.

Splinting

Splinting is often recommended in the early stages of the disease. Wearing a splint at night can sometimes help people sleep better. The splint does not usually cure the disease.

Steroid Injection

A second treatment option is steroid injections. The injection of a steroid into the area around the nerve helps to shrink the structures around the nerve, resulting in less pressure on the nerve. The steroid injection is done in the office and has a low risk of side effects. Patients can be managed with this treatment until their symptoms worsen.

Surgery

Surgery is recommended in moderate to severe cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The surgery is designed to make more room for the nerve and to relieve the symptoms. Carpal tunnel release is a short surgical procedure that, when done properly, offers consistently good results. Typically, there is no splint or cast, and patients are encouraged to start moving their fingers shortly after surgery. Patients typically get quick symptom relief and are able to resume their daily activities soon after surgery.

People often have the misconception that carpal tunnel release surgery is ineffective and requires a long and unpredictable recovery. On the contrary, when diagnosed and treated properly, Carpal tunnel syndrome can be cured with minimal side effects and little downtime. The surgery is a short procedure with minimal side effects.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a hand specialist to discuss concerns and possible treatment options.

Dr. Sohel Islam, Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon, and Hand Surgeon

Dr. Sohel Islam HeadshotAt Advanced Specialty Care, Hand Surgeon and Board Certified Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Sohel Islam is skilled at treating a variety of hand conditions including Dupuytren’s Disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, trigger finger, hand trauma, tendonitis and more. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sohel Islam in Danbury, CT or Ridgefield, CT, please call our office at (203) 830-4700 or simply click here to fill out an appointment request form


Advanced Specialty Care is a multi-specialty private practice caring for patients in Fairfield County, CT for over 30 years. We are committed to the well-being of our patients. In addition to Hand Surgery, we have expertise in Allergy & AsthmaAudiologyCosmetic & Plastic SurgeryDermatology and Skin CareEar, Nose & Throat and Head & Neck Surgery. Our six, convenient Connecticut offices include, Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Southbury, and Stamford. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (203) 830-4700 or simply click here to fill out an appointment request form.

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Multi-Specialty Private Practice with six locations in Fairfield County, CT