What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
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If you’re anything like most men and women in America, you spend a considerable amount of time on your computer, on your phone, or in your car each day. Did you know that these seemingly harmless routines could be playing a role in your aches, pains, and other discomfort? It’s true! Repetitive motions and poor posture associated with looking up or down at screens, holding a smartphone, and steering a car are just a few of the many behaviors that contribute to a long list of orthopedic symptoms.
A common problem among people in certain professions requiring a significant amount of handwork, including hair stylists, painters, musicians, and surgeons, is carpal tunnel syndrome. This debilitating condition can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and impaired function in the arms, wrists, and hands. Dr. Christopher Williams and the experienced team of providers at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta fully understand the frustration of dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome and are committed to helping patients find a cause, a solution, and relief from carpal tunnel pain.
What exactly is carpal tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome – sometimes referred to simply as “carpal tunnel” – is a painful and/or irritating condition caused by the compression of the median nerve, which runs from the hand through the carpal tunnel in your wrist and up the length of the arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is pressure on the nerve that prevents it from functioning properly.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Although many other conditions or injuries may mimic carpal tunnel syndrome, there are some telltale signs that usually point to carpal tunnel being the culprit. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to see a professional to determine whether or not you have carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Numbness in the hands, fingers, or arms
- Tingling in the hands, fingers, or arms
- Weak grip
- Trouble holding things
- Itching or burning sensation in your hands and fingers
- Pain and muscle cramping in your arms, hands, and fingers
The best way to determine if you are dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome or another problem is to be evaluated by a qualified, certified, and experienced professional. Dr. Williams utilizes state-of-the-art imaging and other techniques to quickly and accurately make a diagnosis, allowing patients to begin treatment and seek relief from their carpal tunnel pain immediately.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Oftentimes, men and women with carpal tunnel syndrome have a hard time pinpointing the cause of their condition. In many cases carpal tunnel is caused by something that is so routine and seemingly harmless that it is not even given a second thought by the patient. During your initial consultation at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta, Dr. Williams will take ample time to thoroughly discuss your lifestyle, habits, routines, and other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Once a likely cause has been pinpointed, Dr. Williams will recommend treatment options and behavioral modifications to help you get relief as quickly as possible. Some of the most common risk factors and causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Prolonged repetitive motions, including typing, cutting, sewing, and opening and closing your hands
- Health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypothyroidism
- Pregnancy
- Being a woman
- Family history of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Traumatic injury to the wrist
In a large number of cases, identifying the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is the most difficult part of the process. After that, there are a variety of treatment options that can be considered.
What can I do for carpal tunnel pain?
For many patients, getting relief from their carpal tunnel syndromes may be as simple as modifying or restricting the behavior that caused the symptoms in the first place. However, oftentimes the condition is already too advanced for this approach by the time it is diagnosed. Some common treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include steroid shots and surgical intervention, both of which have been shown to be beneficial. Dr. Williams is proud to offer an innovative and breakthrough nonsurgical alternative for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in the form of Regenexx therapy. This exciting new treatment utilizes a patient’s native substances, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to help restore tissue, generate healthy tissue growth, and more. Regenexx is also used to treat a variety of other conditions including knee pain, torn ligaments, joint problems, and more. During your consultation at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta, Dr. Williams can discuss the advantages of Regenexx therapy and how it may help you.
Where can I get carpal tunnel treatment in Atlanta?
The best way to determine whether your symptoms are being caused by carpal tunnel syndrome – and how you can get relief – is to be evaluated by a qualified and experienced physician. Call Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta to schedule your consultation with Dr. Christopher Williams today, and find out how you can get quick and easy relief from carpal tunnel pain!