Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Whether you enjoy rock climbing in the Tetons, fly-fishing on the Laramie River, or simply working outside in your garden, you require the use of your hands. Unfortunately, the wrist pain and numb fingers associated with carpal tunnel syndrome can slow down even the most active Wyoming residents. If you experience pain or muscle weakness when using your hands, it’s time to contact the board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists of Premier Bone & Joint Centers.
Diagnosing Your Condition
The median nerve runs from your forearm to your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, passing through a narrow passageway in your wrist known as the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when nearby tendons or bones compress this nerve as it passes through the wrist, causing numbness, pain, and muscle weakness.
In order to diagnose your condition, one of our orthopedic specialists will perform a physical examination and ask you about your routines. In some cases, your doctor may also order an:
X-ray, which can help rule out other causes of wrist pain
NCV test, which indicates how well or poorly your median nerve is functioning
EMG test, which can identify muscle damage and rule out other conditions
Once your physician has a complete understanding of your situation, they will recommend the best treatment regimen to help you recover.
A Treatment Plan that Works
When identified early on, conservative treatments like rest, wrist splinting, cold packs, and injected corticosteroids can usually improve carpal tunnel syndrome in a matter of months. However, if these don’t reduce pain or restore functionality to your hand, surgery may be required. Many of our orthopedic specialists belong to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and benefit from training in the most advanced surgical technology and techniques, providing you with peace of mind.
Don’t let hand and wrist pain keep you from the activities you love. Contact the orthopedic specialists of Premier Bone & Joint Centers today to schedule an appointment to discuss your carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to our main Laramie office, we maintain satellite clinics across Wyoming for your convenience.