Carpal Tunnel Treatment in South Central Ohio
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects up to 6 percent of Americans, impacting their ability to do everyday tasks like pick up a coffee cup, quilt, type, or hold a pen. Adena Orthopedic and Spine Institute, with offices throughout south central Ohio, provides comprehensive, same-day diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome as well as a variety of carpal tunnel treatment options including minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery. Featuring two neurologists, two physiatrists, and the top sports medicine physicians in Ohio, Adena Bone and Joint is the place to receive the best carpal tunnel treatment in Chillicothe.
Call Adena Orthopedic and Spine Institute today at 740-779-4598.
When the medial nerve, which spans from the palm of the hand to the forearm, becomes compressed at the wrist, carpal tunnel symptoms can occur. Carpal tunnel syndrome begins gradually with numbness, burning, or tingling in the fingers and palm of the hand. Initial carpal tunnel symptoms typically occur at night. Symptoms then become more frequent, occurring more regularly during the day and interrupting everyday tasks like grabbing small objects, typing, writing, and other manual tasks. Carpal tunnel syndrome most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 45-64.
It is important to seek medical attention for carpal tunnel syndrome sooner than later as changes to your routine, like an ergonomically-friendly keyboard, could help minimize long-term effects.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by several factors, ranging from repetitive motions to hypothyroidism. Carpal tunnel may also be idiopathic (no known cause). Common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Since everyone has different pain tolerances, someone could have severe carpal tunnel syndrome but still be able to function relatively norma,l while someone else with mild carpal tunnel could experience debilitating symptoms. Adena Orthopedic and Spine Institute recommends being assessed for carpal tunnel syndrome as early as possible after the onset of symptoms to minimize the negative affects carpal tunnel can have on daily living.
To assess whether carpal tunnel syndrome is present and to measure the extent of the condition, Adena Orthopedic and Spine Institute offers electromyography (EMG), a technique that places a tiny electrode needle into the muscle to monitor the electrical activity within the muscles. Adena Orthopedic and Spine Institute also utilizes nerve conduction studies, which use electrodes to deliver small shocks to the hand and wrist to gauge how quickly nerves communicate with the muscles. Adena Orthopedic and Spine Institute then uses the EMG readings and nerve conduction studies to diagnosis carpal tunnel syndrome and determine the severity of the condition. Both diagnostic options are available onsite with results the same day.
Adena Orthopedic and Spine Institute always recommends non-surgical carpal tunnel treatment options whenever possible. The first line of carpal tunnel treatment is typically a splint or brace that can be worn at night. Physical therapy and/or ergonomic adjustments throughout the house or working environment may also be recommended to minimize pain. Rest also can be an effective treatment option, particularly for individuals suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome that is caused by overuse, such as using a computer all day.
For patients who are unresponsive to conservative treatments, steroid injections are typically the next line of carpal tunnel treatment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can arise during pregnancy due to natural swelling in the body. Often, conservative treatments can minimize symptoms during pregnancy and carpal tunnel symptoms subside after pregnancy. Surgery is never recommended during pregnancy.
Patients who continue to experience severe carpal tunnel symptoms that interfere with daily living may be candidates for carpal tunnel surgery. Minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery offered at Adena is an outpatient procedure. The surgery generally lasts between 30-45 minutes. Therapy with certified hand therapists and occupational therapists after surgery will help rebuild strength and muscle function. Recovery typically takes 6 weeks.
Adena offers carpal tunnel release surgery, the most common type of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as endoscopic surgery, which can minimize recovery time.
People with carpal tunnel syndrome are 2.6 times more likely to suffer from migraines than those without carpal tunnel, according to a new study published by The American Academy of Family Physicians.
A study published in Diabetes Care finds that people with carpal tunnel syndrome are 36 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, irrespective of other risk factors.
If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, schedule an appointment at Adena Orthopedic and Spine Institute today at 740-779-4598.
Are you experiencing symptoms that could be carpal tunnel syndrome? Take this quick quiz to see if you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.
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