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, which causes pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and inflammation.

Specialty-trained hand doctors provide a variety of treatment options, from conservative care to advanced surgical techniques. Conservative treatments are used first, but if symptoms persist, then your surgeon may introduce surgical methods to help address the pain.

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. It involves the surgeon making a small incision down the palm and relieving the pressure on the nerve.

If you are experiencing pain or irritation that you believe may be related to carpal tunnel syndrome, consult with our hand doctors at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia by calling (404) 255-0226 or requesting an appointment online.