Does your hand fall asleep and tingle? Does your hand wake you at night? These are common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers are the most common symptoms. This usually occurs during sleeping hours, due to the position of the hands and wrists while sleeping. The cause is an abnormal amount of pressure on the median nerve as it courses through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.
As the condition progresses, the symptoms occur more frequently and can also start to occur during the daytime. Common aggravating activities include driving, using a hair dryer, use of tools, heavy gripping activity, and typing.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important seek an evaluation, as carpal tunnel syndrome can eventually lead to permanent damage to your hand. Electromyographic studies are commonly obtained to confirm and rate the severity of the diagnosis.
Treatment can range from simply resting and bracing the wrists for a few weeks, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections or, in more severe cases, surgery. With a success rate as high as 99%, a simple 10-minute surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome can give you back your hand function and keep you productive.
Dr. Niket Shrivastava
Proliance Orthopedic Associates