Finding Relief from Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

With ever-changing technology at our literal fingertips, the repetitive overuse of our hands and wrists at home or work is the new normal. But it can come with consequences. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has become one of the most common nerve disorders experienced today. CTS causes pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the hand and arm. It affects more than 8 million people in the U.S. each year. With the right proactive measures, it’s usually very treatable.

CTS is caused by repetitive movements of the hand and wrist — either at work or home. It’s also linked to other underlying health conditions like:

■ Diabetes

■ Pregnancy

■ Rheumatoid arthritis

■ Trauma to the hands/wrists

“Symptoms generally start slow in one

Schedule an Appointment

If carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are disrupting your sleep and daily activities, the hand and wrist specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Baytown are ready to help you find relief. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ baytown or call 281.427.7400 to schedule an appointment.

or both hands,” said Dr. Chia Wu, an orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Baytown. “Symptoms gradually become more disabling. In severe cases, you may experience weakness in your hands and loss of fine motor skills, such as loss of pinch or grip strength.”

Home Remedies

The key to slowing the progression of CTS is being proactive. Take action as soon as you notice symptoms.

“Waking up during the night with numbness or tingling in your hands is a common early sign of carpal tunnel,” Wu noted. “Wearing a wrist splint to bed helps you keep your wrist in a neutral position, which can relieve pressure on the nerve.” Other measures that may help ease discomfort include avoiding repetitive activities or improving ergonomics at work and home.

If you work on a computer all day, Wu recommends using a mouse pad to support your wrist. If you have a job where you perform repetitive tasks, take frequent breaks and use nerve glide exercises to stretch your hands and wrists.

When To See A Specialist

CTS is a progressive disorder that tends to get worse over time. You should see a specialist if symptoms become more persistent and disruptive during the day.

If you do not respond to traditional athome remedies after a few weeks, steroid (cortisone) injections may help. Steroids decrease inflammation and swelling and can provide longer-lasting relief for some cases. These injections can be performed in your doctor’s office.

In more severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on your nerve may be your best option. Houston Methodist offers outpatient surgery for carpal tunnel. “This is a safe and common procedure that has a very high success rate and minimal downtime,” Wu said. “Patients are able to quickly get back to work and activities that are important to them,” Wu noted. •