Carpal Tunnel
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Allan M. Delman, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgeon & Orthopedic Joint Replacement Surgeon located in San Pedro, CA
The symptoms may have started as a burning or tingling sensation in your thumb or index finger that you could easily shake off, but if your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are lingering longer into your day, your condition may be worsening. Orthopedic surgeon Allan M. Delman, M.D., in San Pedro, California, specializes in the diagnosis and management of carpal tunnel syndrome and can develop a plan to stop the progression of your condition and improve the sensations in your hand. Call the office or request an appointment online today to get started.
Carpal Tunnel
What is carpal tunnel?
Your carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist that’s made up of bones, tendons, and ligaments and serves as a pathway for your median nerve into your hand. Your median nerve, which travels down your arm and forearm from your neck, provides sensation to your thumb, index, middle, and ring finger, and also the muscle movement in your thumb.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, also called CTS or median nerve compression, occurs when your median nerve gets pinched as it travels through the carpal tunnel, resulting in various symptoms.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common and affects women more often than men. A history of diabetes may increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome tends to develop gradually and worsen over time. You may only initially experience the symptoms after you wake up in the morning, but as time goes on you may begin to experience the symptoms more frequently throughout the day.
Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Tingling and numbness in your hand
- Weak grip
- Swelling in your fingers
- Muscle atrophy in your thumb
- Difficulty sensing hot and cold
The symptoms may occur in one or both of your hands.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Dr. Delman conducts comprehensive exams when you come in with symptoms that may indicate carpal tunnel syndrome.
During your exam, he reviews your symptoms and medical history and evaluates your wrist. To rule out other causes of your symptoms, Dr. Delman may recommend blood work and/or X-rays.
He may also suggest a nerve conduction study (NCS) to assess nerve activity and electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle function.
What are the treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Treatment for your carpal tunnel syndrome may depend on the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Delman might initially take a conservative approach to care and recommend anti-inflammatory medication and an arm splint to help keep your hand straight while you sleep. He may also recommend a corticosteroid injection.
If you fail to get relief from your symptoms with conservative measures, Dr. Delman may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery, which releases your ligament to reduce pressure on your median nerve and improve your symptoms.
For expert care of your carpal tunnel syndrome, call Allan Delman, M.D., or book an appointment online today.
