Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and debilitating disorder that afflicts more than one million people. It is the result of a pinching of the median nerve in the hand, causing pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and inflammation.

Our hand doctors provide a variety of treatment options, from conservative care to advanced surgical techniques. Conservative treatments are used first and will progress to more aggressive techniques if symptoms persist.

Conservative methods include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications to help decrease symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
  • A wrist brace to improve stabilization
  • Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation

However, if conservative methods fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary. Carpal tunnel release is a common surgery performed to treat this disorder. For this technique, surgeons make a small incision down the palm and relieve the pressure on the nerve.

If you are experiencing pain or irritation that you believe may be related to carpal tunnel syndrome, call our hand doctors at Middle Georgia Orthopaedics at (478) 953-4563 or request an appointment online.