| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Jacqueline Crawford, MD, PLLC (865)218-6222 |
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a pinching of the median nerve at the wrist. It can cause pain and
numbness in the affected hand. Patients typically describe uncomfortable tingling in the
fingers when gripping a steering wheel, holding a blow-dryer, or other tool. Many patients
wake up with numbness in the hands.
Anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome but there are some risk factors including:
obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis. Work involving hammering or
gripping vibrating tools can also make patients more symptomatic.
Evaluation for carpal tunnel syndrome usually involves nerve conduction studies that allow
measurement of the electrical impulses in the nerves of the hand and forearm. Nerve
conduction studies use small, quick electrical shocks to stimulate the nerves. Sometimes the
patient’s physician will also request EMG to rule out pinching of nerves in the neck as well.
EMG uses small needles to listen to the electrical impulses in muscles.
Treatment usually begins with wrist splints at night. This allows the wrist to remain
supported in a straight position as one sleeps. Some physicians use cortisone injections or
physical therapy. Many patients will require surgery to release the pressure on the nerve.
numbness in the affected hand. Patients typically describe uncomfortable tingling in the
fingers when gripping a steering wheel, holding a blow-dryer, or other tool. Many patients
wake up with numbness in the hands.
Anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome but there are some risk factors including:
obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis. Work involving hammering or
gripping vibrating tools can also make patients more symptomatic.
Evaluation for carpal tunnel syndrome usually involves nerve conduction studies that allow
measurement of the electrical impulses in the nerves of the hand and forearm. Nerve
conduction studies use small, quick electrical shocks to stimulate the nerves. Sometimes the
patient’s physician will also request EMG to rule out pinching of nerves in the neck as well.
EMG uses small needles to listen to the electrical impulses in muscles.
Treatment usually begins with wrist splints at night. This allows the wrist to remain
supported in a straight position as one sleeps. Some physicians use cortisone injections or
physical therapy. Many patients will require surgery to release the pressure on the nerve.
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