Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve—a major motor and sensory nerve that is sometimes referred to as “the eye of the hand”—is compressed at the point where it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. A narrow channel formed by the carpal bones on the bottom and the transverse carpal ligament on the top, the carpal tunnel can be encroached by swelling or excess tissue in the wrist. In many cases, carpal tunnel syndrome results from repetitive wrist or hand motions, such as using a screwdriver, playing a musical instrument, or typing.

What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually easy to identify. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the fingers
• Occasional shock-like pain that radiates from the wrist to the fingers
• Pain that travels through the forearm toward the shoulder
• Weakness and clumsiness in the hand that makes it difficult to grasp objects

If you think you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, you can receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan from the trusted orthopedic specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

After confirming your diagnosis, your physician at Premier Bone & Joint Centers may start you on a regimen of physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If your symptoms do not respond to conservative treatment, we may suggest surgery to relieve pressure on your median nerve. You can feel confident entrusting your surgical care to our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, many of whom are esteemed members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today to schedule an appointment with a hand doctor at our satellite clinic in Thermopolis WY.