You may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome if you are experiencing hand numbness, tingling, or itching. Otherwise known as median nerve compression, carpal tunnel syndrome is very common.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb
- Numbness in the middle and index fingers
- Tingling sensation in the arm
- Less dexterity in the hand
- Jolting pain throughout the hand
If you are experiencing these symptoms, visit the Hand and Shoulder Center experts for diagnosis and personalized treatment in a spa-like atmosphere.
At the Hand and Shoulder Center, we take a spa-like approach. Diagnosis and treatment begin with us taking the time to get to know you and your history of symptoms. We believe it is essential that we listen as you define where the pain and numbness are to make an accurate carpal tunnel diagnosis. This approach ensures that your doctors won’t put you through unnecessary testing.
Based on your history and the discussion about symptoms, we may conduct a nerve test called an electromyography (EMG). This test will allow us to determine if the discomfort you are experiencing is due to carpal tunnel syndrome or if a nerve is being compressed elsewhere.
Once we verify where the nerve is compressed, causing discomfort or lack of dexterity, we decide on a treatment plan together. Typically, we like to begin with the most conservative treatment options for carpal tunnel before suggesting surgery. These treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Steroid injections
- Wrist splints
- Physical therapy
- Habit or work equipment adjustments
If the EMG shows that you have a compressed nerve in your carpal tunnel, or if conservative treatments don’t alleviate the pain and numbness, you may need surgery.
If it comes down to surgery, there are a few different options with varying risks and benefits. We will thoroughly discuss the various options with you and create a personalized treatment plan and physical therapy plan.
Every option for treatment has different risks and benefits. The treatment decision is dependent on the patient and what their goals are.
At the Hand and Shoulder Center in Savannah, Georgia, we prioritize your goals to develop a treatment plan that will benefit you the most. We want to get you back to maximum mobility and comfort with personalized care and without unnecessary and expensive testing. If you’re experiencing discomfort or a loss of mobility in your hands, schedule an appointment with us today.