You wake up in the morning to your coffee pot brewing, you pour yourself a cup, and your hand shakes as you are holding it. You feel that same tingling and numbness when you tried to move some heavy bags from the car to your home.
If you have noticed a feeling of numbness or there is a tingling in your finger or hands, it is possible that you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.
A pinched nerve that may be in your wrist results in carpal tunnel syndrome and you start to experience all the inconvenience from this condition. Oftentimes, your usual daily activities and work may be affected.
Carpal tunnel syndrome starts with symptoms that come and go. If left untreated, it could worsen. The discomfort felt in the hand and around the wrist may be in the form of tingling and numbness. You will notice that the symptoms are felt constantly or on a daily basis. Some people get hand weakness and may drop things. If you are starting to feel the onset of symptoms caused by a carpal tunnel syndrome, it is best to see a doctor as this could lead to a loss of control of your hand, not being able to fully control the movements and function of your hand, or worst–the permanent loss of feeling and sensation on these body parts.
Within your wrist where the wrist and palm meet, the narrow passageway of bones and ligaments is called the carpal tunnel. Inside it is a median nerve and nine tendons. The median nerve extends from the neck and shoulder going down to the palm of the hands and then towards the fingers through the thumb. This nerve is responsible for giving sensation to the different fingers. The median nerve controls the thumb’s movement. However, the pinky finger functions on a separate nerve.
The swelling of tendons or its inflammation may result in carpal tunnel syndrome. The limited space caused by the tissue that travels from the median nerve may result in the worsening of carpal tunnel syndrome. The nerves become compressed or squeezed and the nerve will be unable or have limited capacity to signal back and forth through the hand. This results in tingling, weakness, numbness, and/or pain. The pain or discomfort may travel up to your arm.
A carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by a number of factors. Hand movements that are repetitive is one of the most common causes. Traumatic arm or hand vibration and working using your hands for an extended period of time in the same or awkward positions can worsen your carpal tunnel syndrome.
The orbit surrounding the median nerve may be flattened by pressure eventually causing the hurt and inflammation. You may feel a tingling sensation, numbness, or pain on your fingers and the pain may travel up to your forearms or shoulders. Once the constant numbness starts, it is best to go to a hand doctor to check the symptoms.
It is highly recommended to go to a carpal tunnel syndrome specialist, an orthopedic surgeon, or hand doctor if you are starting to feel the onset of a carpal tunnel syndrome. If you begin to drop objects while holding or gripping them and there’s a pinched muscle and pain that does not go away, it may be an impending carpal tunnel syndrome. Early detection and treatment is the best way to prevent a major carpal tunnel syndrome.
Looking for a carpal tunnel syndrome expert? If you are in the United States, specifically in the Savannah, Georgia area, you may book an appointment with Dr. Gregory Kolovich at OptimHealth. Dr. Kolovich is the best orthopedic surgeon and also considered as the best hand doctor. He has gained multiple awards and currently serves as the President of Georgia Society for Surgery of the Hand (GSSH). Dr. Kolovich cofounded the Micro C Imaging. Micro C is a breakthrough handheld fluoroscopy medical device. Dr. Kolovich gained his degree, cum laude, at the Ohio State University. He also focused on Hand and Microsurgery at Harvard University. Dr. Kolovich is the most sought-after hand doctor not only because of his credentials and years of experience, but due to his personable, professional, and compassionate approach.
A carpal tunnel release surgery may be required depending on the severity of it. Make sure to choose a doctor who is experienced in handling this condition. They will be able to provide you with all of the best treatment options.
