There are many contributing factors that lead to the development of a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). You might expect a Long Island orthopedic surgeon to immediately encourage you to have a surgical procedure to correct it. However, that is not the case.
All the contributing factors are examined and non-invasive interventions will be tried first. Heredity plays a role in determining who will suffer from carpal tunnel. This is because in a family that has narrow tunnels where the nerves pass through the wrist, they will be more susceptible to developing it. Other causes are performing a repetitive motion with the hands, typing for example.
When your hand feels numb, is tingling or painful or if pain travels up toward the shoulder, these are signs that you are suffering from this condition. The pain may happen during the day or night. It ordinarily develops slowly.
The doctor will test your hand by placing the wrist in a number of different positions to see when the pain occurs. Pressing on the median nerve and touching each finger lightly will gauge your reaction. Tapping along the wrist and the base of the thumb are also helpful tests. There are electrophysiological tests as well.
The first choice of available solutions can be simple ones. For a mild case that is attended to early, they may be sufficient to lessen the pain and numbness. If possible, the typing or other repetitive movement found to be at fault can be reduced to a minimal number of hours each day. This can be difficult if your job demands you use the computer extensively.
Some possible options may include wearing a brace or splint while you are sleeping or typing to keep the wrist straight. Steroid injections are a successful way to alleviate the symptoms. But the results are short-lived. A Long Island Orthopedic Surgeon is likely to consider a surgical procedure only if the simple solutions do not provide sufficient relief from the pain.
All the contributing factors are examined and non-invasive interventions will be tried first. Heredity plays a role in determining who will suffer from carpal tunnel. This is because in a family that has narrow tunnels where the nerves pass through the wrist, they will be more susceptible to developing it. Other causes are performing a repetitive motion with the hands, typing for example.
When your hand feels numb, is tingling or painful or if pain travels up toward the shoulder, these are signs that you are suffering from this condition. The pain may happen during the day or night. It ordinarily develops slowly.
The doctor will test your hand by placing the wrist in a number of different positions to see when the pain occurs. Pressing on the median nerve and touching each finger lightly will gauge your reaction. Tapping along the wrist and the base of the thumb are also helpful tests. There are electrophysiological tests as well.
The first choice of available solutions can be simple ones. For a mild case that is attended to early, they may be sufficient to lessen the pain and numbness. If possible, the typing or other repetitive movement found to be at fault can be reduced to a minimal number of hours each day. This can be difficult if your job demands you use the computer extensively.
Some possible options may include wearing a brace or splint while you are sleeping or typing to keep the wrist straight. Steroid injections are a successful way to alleviate the symptoms. But the results are short-lived. A Long Island Orthopedic Surgeon is likely to consider a surgical procedure only if the simple solutions do not provide sufficient relief from the pain.
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