Do you wake up with tingling hands? Do you drop your coffee mug? If so, you might have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). It’s common, especially if you work with your hands a lot, but it is treatable.
✋ What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Think of your wrist as having a small, crowded tunnel. Inside this tunnel are nine tendons and one important nerve, called the median nerve.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens when the tendons swell up (from overuse or injury) and squeeze that median nerve.
Key Symptoms to Watch For:
Tingling and Numbness: Usually in your thumb, index, middle, and half of your ring finger.
Night Pain: Waking up because your hand is numb or throbbing.
Weakness: Dropping things or struggling to button a shirt.
Shock Feeling: Pain that shoots up your forearm.
⚕️ When to See a Specialist
If your symptoms are constant, interrupting your sleep, or causing weakness, you need to see a doctor. Early treatment stops the nerve damage from getting worse!
How We Confirm the Diagnosis:
Simple Tests: We check your wrist flexibility and gently tap your median nerve (Tinel’s Test) to see if it causes tingling.
Nerve Study: We use a quick test (Nerve Conduction Study) to measure how fast signals travel through the nerve. This tells us exactly how severe the compression is.
🩹 Treatment Options: From Simple to Surgery
When Surgery is Needed
If non-surgical methods fail or the nerve damage is severe, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a Carpal Tunnel Release procedure.
The Goal: To cut the ligament that is tightening the tunnel, giving the nerve more room.
The Recovery: It’s usually an outpatient procedure (you go home the same day). You can return to light tasks quickly, with full strength returning over a few months.
💻 Prevention: Carpal Tunnel-Proof Your Work
The best treatment is prevention, especially if you work at a desk or on an assembly line.
6 Simple Ergonomic Tips:
Keep Wrists Straight: Your wrists should be flat and level with the keyboard or mouse, not bent up or down.
Adjust Your Chair: Your elbows should rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle when you type.
Take Micro-Breaks: Stand up, stretch, or simply shake your hands out every 30 minutes.
Soft Grip: Avoid gripping your mouse or tools too tightly. Use a light touch when typing.
Use a Good Mouse: Consider an ergonomic mouse or a vertical mouse that keeps your hand in a more natural “handshake” position.
Stay Warm: Cold hands are stiffer and more prone to injury.
✅ Ready to Find Relief?
If nightly pain or daytime weakness is impacting your work and life, it’s time to talk to a hand specialist. Don’t wait until the nerve damage is permanent.
➡️ Schedule a consultation with our expert orthopedic team today to start your journey back to a pain-free life!
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention at Work
Do you wake up with tingling hands? Do you drop your coffee mug? If so, you might have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). It’s common, especially if you work with your hands a lot, but it is treatable.
✋ What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Think of your wrist as having a small, crowded tunnel. Inside this tunnel are nine tendons and one important nerve, called the median nerve.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens when the tendons swell up (from overuse or injury) and squeeze that median nerve.
Key Symptoms to Watch For:
Tingling and Numbness: Usually in your thumb, index, middle, and half of your ring finger.
Night Pain: Waking up because your hand is numb or throbbing.
Weakness: Dropping things or struggling to button a shirt.
Shock Feeling: Pain that shoots up your forearm.
⚕️ When to See a Specialist
If your symptoms are constant, interrupting your sleep, or causing weakness, you need to see a doctor. Early treatment stops the nerve damage from getting worse!
How We Confirm the Diagnosis:
Simple Tests: We check your wrist flexibility and gently tap your median nerve (Tinel’s Test) to see if it causes tingling.
Nerve Study: We use a quick test (Nerve Conduction Study) to measure how fast signals travel through the nerve. This tells us exactly how severe the compression is.
🩹 Treatment Options: From Simple to Surgery
When Surgery is Needed
If non-surgical methods fail or the nerve damage is severe, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a Carpal Tunnel Release procedure.
The Goal: To cut the ligament that is tightening the tunnel, giving the nerve more room.
The Recovery: It’s usually an outpatient procedure (you go home the same day). You can return to light tasks quickly, with full strength returning over a few months.
💻 Prevention: Carpal Tunnel-Proof Your Work
The best treatment is prevention, especially if you work at a desk or on an assembly line.
6 Simple Ergonomic Tips:
Keep Wrists Straight: Your wrists should be flat and level with the keyboard or mouse, not bent up or down.
Adjust Your Chair: Your elbows should rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle when you type.
Take Micro-Breaks: Stand up, stretch, or simply shake your hands out every 30 minutes.
Soft Grip: Avoid gripping your mouse or tools too tightly. Use a light touch when typing.
Use a Good Mouse: Consider an ergonomic mouse or a vertical mouse that keeps your hand in a more natural “handshake” position.
Stay Warm: Cold hands are stiffer and more prone to injury.
✅ Ready to Find Relief?
If nightly pain or daytime weakness is impacting your work and life, it’s time to talk to a hand specialist. Don’t wait until the nerve damage is permanent.
➡️ Schedule a consultation with our expert orthopedic team today to start your journey back to a pain-free life!
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