Do I Have Carpal Tunnel?

Many professions require repetitive motions of the hand, wrist and arm that can place particular strain on your arm. Typists, painters and those who operate levers of machinery may discover a growing pain, tingling or numbness in their hand and/or wrist over time. This pain can radiate up the forearm and manifest in a burning or stabbing pain at times or with certain movements. Symptoms may come and go and grow worse at night, even restricting movement of the fingers.

This condition is commonly called Carpal Tunnel after the area of the anatomy that is affected. When Carpal Tunnel, or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, develops, you need fast and effective treatment to relieve pain and restore your freedom of movement. Dr. Sina Rajamand at Battle Born Brain & Spine in Carson City, NV offers treatment and relief.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a formation of the carpal bones of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament. This protective tunnel allows a protected passage for the median nerve, which provides sensation to the thumb, middle, index and ring fingers. It also controls the flexor tendons that allow for movement of the thumb.

These rigid boundaries that form the carpal tunnel leave little space for the median nerve to stretch or move. When repetitive movements cause inflammation in this area, the tunnel can compress the median nerve, causing the sensations described above. This can be an extremely painful and limiting condition, especially when it is allowed to grow worse over time without seeking treatment.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Near Reno, NV

Dr. Sina Rajamand can perform an examination and diagnostic scans at Battle Born Brain & Spine to determine if you have carpal tunnel. This peripheral nerve condition can be treated by some non-invasive means at the start, but if it is allowed to progress, minimally invasive surgery will be required to solve the problem and offer relief from pain and restored movement.

The surgery, called median nerve release surgery, or carpal tunnel release, creates additional space within the carpal tunnel to allow for free movement of the median nerve. This is usually accomplished by cutting the transverse carpal ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel and separating it, then allowing it to heal over, creating a wider roof with more room in the tunnel.

Rest, physical therapy and NSAIDs to reduce inflammation then allow the carpal tunnel area to heal, reducing swelling and pressure that affects the median nerve. Patients may also be recommended to wear a brace on the wrist for additional support to prevent this condition from returning.

If you suspect you may be developing carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Battle Born Brain & Spine near Reno for a consultation and exam with Dr. Sina Rajamand.