Women have three-times the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome compared to men because their smaller wrists are more likely to pinch the nerve. Dr. Steven D. Eggleston encourages everyone to get help at the first sign of symptoms to avoid complications like nerve damage. Treatment begins with conservative therapies, but should you need surgery, Dr. Eggleston is currently the only doctor in the area repairing carpal tunnel using a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. To schedule an appointment, call Eggleston Orthopedics in Lake Jackson, Texas, or book an appointment online.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is pinched as it travels through your wrist. The median nerves go down each arm and into your hands, passing through a rigid, narrow space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.
Numerous tendons also run through the carpal tunnel. When these soft tissues become inflamed or you suffer a wrist injury, the nerve becomes compressed inside the passageway. That’s when you have carpal tunnel syndrome.
You may inherit a smaller-than-normal wrist that’s more vulnerable to developing carpal tunnel. However, it’s usually caused by:
When you repeatedly perform the same hand and finger movements, the tendons in the tunnel become inflamed.
Over-extending or flexing your wrist places unusual pressure on the nerve. Engaging in activities that cause wrist extension or flexion for prolonged periods of time leads to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Any type of wrist injury can cause inflammation of the soft tissues in the carpal tunnel.
Arthritis in your wrist and diabetes are two conditions known to cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Thyroid disorders and hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause may raise your risk for carpal tunnel.
Since carpal tunnel syndrome usually develops gradually, its symptoms are mild at the start. Symptoms progressively worsen when the condition goes untreated and may include:
Tingling, numbness, and electric-shock sensations may radiate from the wrist and affect your thumb, index, and middle fingers. Without treatment, the nerve can become permanently damaged and muscle deterioration may occur.
At an early stage, carpal tunnel syndrome responds well to treatments such as:
When your symptoms don’t improve, or you have advanced carpal tunnel, Dr. Eggleston may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Although Dr. Eggleston has extensive experience performing open surgery, he’s the only doctor in the area currently performing minimally invasive endoscopic surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
When you start to notice an achy wrist or tingling, call Eggleston Orthopedics or book an appointment online.
