Services / Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Does your wrist ache? Are your fingers numb and tingly when you first wake up in the morning? You may have carpal tunnel syndrome. At Cascade Orthopaedics in Auburn and Bonney Lake the team offers nonsurgical and surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, easing symptoms and preventing permanent damage. Call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that occurs from the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist.

Your median nerve controls hand movement and provides sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and ring finger. The carpal tunnel is a narrow and rigid passageway in your wrist. 

People develop carpal tunnel syndrome from a wide range of causes. For example, you may have a genetically small carpal tunnel or engage in repetitive wrist or hand movements that cause inflammation in the wrist. 

In most cases, the underlying cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms develop gradually over time and may go unnoticed or brushed off as something else. Your first symptoms may appear as an aching sensation in your wrist that radiates into your forearm or hand.

As the compression worsens, you may start to feel tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in your hand. Over time, chronic compression of the median nerve may cause hand weakness, affecting the strength of your grip.

When left untreated, the ongoing compression of the nerve may cause permanent damage.

What happens during an evaluation for carpal tunnel syndrome?

The practice takes a patient-centered approach to care. When you come in with concerns about hand pain or a weak grip, they conduct a thorough examination to determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

The team reviews your symptoms, daily routine, medical history, and family history. The orthopaedic clinic has on-site diagnostic testing, including imaging and electromyogram (EMG) testing. They may request these tests to confirm or rule out carpal tunnel syndrome and assess the severity of your nerve damage.

What does carpal tunnel syndrome treatment include?

The practice takes a diverse approach to care. However, the team may initially recommend conservative care to ease your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and prevent further damage. 

Treatment may include:

• Activity modification
• Cold packs
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Wrist splints
• Carpal tunnel steroid injections

If you have severe carpal tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended  This surgery uses minimally invasive endoscopic tools and techniques.

For endoscopic tunnel release, the team severs the ligament that covers the carpal tunnel, preventing further compression of the median nerve.

For a comprehensive approach to your carpal tunnel syndrome, call Cascade Orthopaedics, or schedule an appointment online today.