Carpal Tunnel Treated in Baltimore by Top Orthopedic Doctors

Carpal tunnel occurs when repetitive wrist motion leads to inflammation and swelling of the flexor tendons of the fingers at the wrist. This swelling causes narrowing of the carpal tunnel, the space in which these tendons and the median nerve enter the hand, resulting in compression of the median nerve at the wrist. 

Carpal tunnel symptoms include:

• Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle or ring fingers
• Pain from the wrist running up the arm or down into the hand
• Atrophy of the thumb muscles

Orthopedic surgeons specializing in hand surgery diagnose carpal tunnel by performing a physical exam of the hand and wrist and discussing the symptom history with each patient. X-rays, a nerve conduction study or electromyography (EMG) may be performed to help diagnose carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel treatment options include:

• Rest
• Ice
• Modification of risk factors
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Splinting
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

If carpal tunnel symptoms persist, surgical repair may be the best treatment option. The ligament pressing on the nerve is cut to release pressure on the nerve. As the ligament heals, more room is provided for the main nerve. This surgery can be performed either by endoscopic or traditional open surgery.