Do you have Carpal Tunnel?
If you feel pain in your arm or wrist, you may wonder if you have Carpal Tunnel. Carpal Tunnel is a condition that causes pain that can run up and down your hand and arm. It is caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist area. There are many factors that may lead to the development of Carpal Tunnel such as using your hands a certain way for a long period of time.
The Carpal Tunnel is a long narrow passage that houses bones and ligaments that are vital in moving and controlling your arm and hand. It is located on the bottom or palm side of the wrist area.
The Carpal Tunnel is used to protect all the main nerves that run to and from your hand and the tendons that help your fingers to bend. If the nerve is pressed for some reason, it could lead to numbness and even pain that can create Carpal Tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
If you have any of the following symptoms you need to talk to your doctor for further testing to see if you have Carpal Tunnel.
• Pain that radiates up or down the wrist and arm or it may travel into the shoulders and go down to the finger tips
• Weakness in the hands and may lead to dropping objects when held
• Numb feeling in the fingers or hand area. The thumb, index, and middle finger is the ones that are most effected
Dr. Pillai will want to go over your symptoms first to see if you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel. There is usually a pattern of pain and signs that may give Dr. Pillai a clue that something is wrong. Before you appointment, you will need to pay attention to the times that you are experiencing these symptoms. This will tell Dr. Pillai a good deal about you and what may be triggering the onset. Dr. Pillai will also need to do a physical examination, take some x-rays, and schedule Electromyogram. Dr. Pillai may also want to do a nerve study on you as well.
If you have Carpal Tunnel you will need to follow the doctors’ orders. If you suffer only mild symptoms of Carpal Tunnel, you may need to make changes in your daily routine so you can take a break whenever needed. When the pain becomes worse, you can apply a cold pack in order to take down the swelling. Dr. Pillai may also recommend a wrist splint or medications.
If nothing seems to work for your Carpal Tunnel, you may need surgery for your Carpal Tunnel. Surgery will relieve the pressure. This is done by cutting the ligament that is causing the compression on the nerve relieving the pain and making it possible to live with Carpal Tunnel.
For more information about Carpal Tunnel contact Dr. Pillai today.
