Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes tingling and numbness in the hand and can lead to permanent nerve damage when left untreated. At Kai Sports Medicine in Little Silver, New Jersey, Zachary Perlman, DO, offers noninvasive treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome to reduce symptoms and prevent or delay the need for surgical interventions. For a holistic approach to carpal tunnel syndrome, call the office today or schedule an appointment online. 

What does carpal tunnel syndrome feel like?

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually starts out as a numbness or tingling sensation in your hand when you first wake up in the morning, although it goes away with a few shakes of the hand. 

Over time, the sensation may take longer to go away and occur at different times, like when you’re gripping the steering wheel of your car.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve condition that occurs from compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. 

The median nerve is a sensory and motor nerve that provides sensations to the thumb, index, middle, and ring finger on the palm side of the hand. It also controls the muscle at the base of the thumb.

Compression of the nerve affects these functions, causing the symptoms. 

I don’t work in an office. How did I get carpal tunnel syndrome?

Many people associate carpal tunnel syndrome with office workers. However, there’s no single cause of the nerve condition, and you may develop carpal tunnel syndrome from any number of factors. 

Common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Repetitive use of the hand
• Prolonged extension or flexion of the wrist
• Health conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Pregnancy 

You may also develop carpal tunnel syndrome if it runs in your family. Some people inherit a narrow carpal tunnel so they have a greater risk of irritation or compression of the nerve.  

When should I get help for carpal tunnel syndrome?

You should seek help for carpal tunnel syndrome at Kai Sports Medicine as soon as you notice symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent permanent nerve damage.

Dr. Perlman takes a patient-centered approach to care, asking detailed questions about your symptoms and daily routine so he can understand the factors contributing to your symptoms.

He completes a physical exam and may run imaging tests and nerve conduction studies to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

What are some treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Dr. Perlman takes an integrative approach to care, providing treatments that benefit your whole health. The specifics of your plan depend on the severity of your symptoms and degree of nerve damage and may include:

• Activity modification
• Use of wrist splints when sleeping
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Hyaluronic acid joint injections
• Cortisone injections

When medical interventions fail to improve your carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Perlman may suggest surgery to open the carpal tunnel, reducing compression of the nerve.

For comprehensive care, call Kai Sports Medicine today or schedule an appointment online.