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.

Hand doctors at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia provide a variety of treatment options, from conservative care to advanced surgical techniques. Conservative treatments are done first and will progress to more aggressive techniques if symptoms persist.

Conservative methods:

• Anti-inflammatory medications help decrease symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
• A wrist brace improves stabilization
• Cortisone injections 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,” explains Dr. James Spratt, fellowship-trained hand surgeon at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia. “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, please call The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia at (404) 255-0226 today to request an appointment.