Atlanta Wrist Specialist Painless Approach For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the wrist and hand. It can be difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat. But with the help of an Atlanta wrist specialist, you can get effective treatment for CTS without having to endure any pain or discomfort. With advanced techniques and personalized care plans, you can look forward to relief from your carpal tunnel symptoms quickly and easily.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hands and wrists caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Symptoms of CTS include pain, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the palm side of the hand and fingers due to compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Other symptoms may include weakness in the affected hand and difficulty grasping objects. Repetitive motions such as typing can cause swelling around this region further exacerbating this condition.

The diagnosis of CTS is typically made after an examination by a medical professional assessing for signs and symptoms, as well as imaging examinations such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or X-ray being taken. Additional tests may be used to rule out other causes of symptoms such as nerve conduction studies which measure how quickly electrical impulses travel through nerves detected by electronics placed on skin surface electrodes.

Treatment options for CTS vary depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms but commonly revolve around reducing strain on the wrist with medications prescribed to reduce inflammation. Splints to keep the wrist straight during sleep followed by physical therapy exercises and stretching designed to alleviate pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel.

What Are The Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common medical condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers and can even lead to impaired muscle function. Some of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Repetitive motion - Performing certain activities over a prolonged period of time can place strain on tendons in the wrist and cause swelling that narrows the carpal tunnel. This compression on the median nerve leads to inflammation and pain. Examples of repetitive motions that often trigger carpal tunnel syndrome include typing, assembly line work, sewing, knitting, or playing musical instruments.
• Injury/Trauma - Trauma or injury to any part of your wrist or arm can cause swelling and compress the median nerve in your carpal tunnel leading to symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Pregnancy - Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fluid retention which can lead to increased pressure on nerves like those in your wrist.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes joint inflammation throughout your body including in your wrists where it may lead to swelling narrowing down your carpal tunnel as well as causing additional pain and discomfort.
• Wrist Fractures/Dislocations – Wrist fractures or dislocations can disrupt the normal positioning of bones in your wrist which may increase pressure on nerves like those running through your carpal tunnel leading to pain, numbness, and tingling sensation in your hands or arms.
• Obesity – Excess weight increases pressure on all parts of your body including those around your hands leading to an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndromes symptoms like pain, numbness, or tingling sensation in hands or arms.

It's important to note that while these are some of the most common causes behind Carpal Tunnel Syndrome there are also other medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease as well as lifestyle choices like smoking that may also be contributors to this condition, so it's very important for people experiencing these symptoms to get a proper diagnosis from their doctor so they can determine what is causing their discomfort and take preventive measures for avoiding further damage.

Diagnosis And Treatment Options For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is based on physical examination and patient history. The doctor may also perform an electromyography (EMG) to measure how well the nerve is functioning and a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) to measure how fast electrical signals are traveling through it. Nonsurgical treatments for CTS include rest, splinting of the wrist, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, steroid injections, and activity modification.

Other treatments that have been shown to help with carpal tunnel symptoms include acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, herbal supplements, and upper extremity exercises. Wearing properly fitted gloves while working or engaging in repetitive activities might also provide some relief. Taking frequent breaks throughout the day can help reduce strain on your wrists and hands as well as provide stress reduction benefits overall.

For more severe cases of CTS that have not responded to these treatments, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The most common surgical procedure used is called “carpal tunnel release” where a portion of the ligament is cut away to create more space in the carpal tunnel around the median nerve.

The Advantages Of A Wrist Specialist Approach For Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treating this condition can be difficult, as it requires careful attention to both physical therapy and rest. A wrist specialist's approach to treating CTS can offer many advantages when it comes to reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing the recurrence of symptoms.

Holistic Diagnostic Evaluation

A wrist specialist will evaluate the entire arm and hand, instead of just focusing on the wrist area. This allows for a more comprehensive diagnosis that can better identify any potential contributing factors to CTS such as posture, strength imbalances, or repetitive motion injuries.

Customized Treatment Plans

A wrist specialist can create personalized treatment plans tailored to an individual's needs based on their specific condition and lifestyle. These typically involve a combination of physical therapy strategies (stretching, strengthening, nerve glides), manual therapy techniques (myofascial release, joint mobilization), ergonomic workstation modifications, and rest/activity modification recommendations.

Expertise In Postoperative Care

If surgery is necessary for the treatment of CTS, a wrist specialist can provide therapeutic management and guidance in the postoperative period. This includes providing hands-on care to help accelerate tissue healing, as well as offering advice on transitioning back into daily activities and work duties.

Decreased Risk Of Recurrence

By targeting underlying sources of CTS (such as postural dysfunctions), a wrist specialist can help ensure that symptoms are properly addressed so that they do not return in the future. With proper treatment, an individual can reduce their chances of developing chronic or recurrent issues with their wrists and hands.

Schedule An Appointment With A Skilled Wrist Specialist In Atlanta

Finding the right skilled wrist specialist in Atlanta can be a daunting task, but a necessary one if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your wrist. The experts at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow are there to help. Their board-certified specialists have the knowledge and experience necessary to properly assess your wrist condition, diagnose any injuries or conditions, and recommend a course of treatment that is tailored to your specific needs. They also specialize in performing reconstructive surgeries for complicated hand fractures or other injuries. Schedule an appointment with them today and begin your journey to becoming pain-free.