Carpal Tunnel

A carpal tunnel diagnosis isn't always a permanent sentence for patients with wrist pain Las Vegas. Therapy and certain other treatments may ease pain. And they even might prevent the need for surgery.

What is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal tunnel is a condition that arises due to pressure on the median nerve in the wrists. The median nerve runs from a person's forearm to the hand. The nerves along with several tendons run through the space in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. The nerves in the carpal tunnel control movement and feeling in a person's thumb and other fingers besides the pinky. Generally, the condition causes numbness, weakness or tingling.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel?

Swelling or pressure on the carpal tunnel cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Some illnesses, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or hypothyroidism, contribute to the onset of carpal tunnel. When a person performs the same hand movements repeatedly, in particular, if the wrist is bent down, it can lead to carpal tunnel. Pregnancy leads to carpal tunnel as well.

Is Carpal Tunnel Treatable?

In most cases, especially in the less severe cases, carpal tunnel is treatable, and the symptoms are very manageable. Very rarely does a person require invasive procedures to correct the problem.

Self-care is the first step to easing pain and discomfort. The patient will be advised to refrain from activities that are causing pain or numbness. The doctor will recommend the patient rest the affected wrist in between long activities. Applying ice to the wrist once or twice per hour can relieve swelling and reduce pain. A specialist may recommend wearing a splint during the night in order to take some of the pressure off of the median nerve. Patients with wrist pain in Las Vegas should seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent long-term consequences from nerve damage.

It's important for patients with diabetes or arthritis to manage the condition to reduce carpal tunnel symptoms and even reverse them. It's vital for a patient to continuously stay active and remain at a healthy weight to reduce symptoms and prevent them from coming back. Patients should always use guards on their computer desk and avoid keeping the wrist in a neutral position for prolonged periods of time. Patients should switch hands when doing repetitive movements if it's possible.