Omaha Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve becomes compressed or entrapped in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Compression of the median nerve causes paresthesia (numbness), pain, and eventually hand weakness.

Omaha Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

It typically starts gradually with only a small ache in the wrist that can extend to your hand or forearm. Tingling and numbness are the main symptoms. It can be intermittent or continual and can involve the thumb, index, long and ring finger. The numbness is often noticed at night and can be so intense that it wakes the person from sleep. This is believed to be because people sleep with their wrists flexed which puts more compression on the median nerve. As the disorder progresses, the numb feeling may be constant. Pain or burning feelings can radiate or extend from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palms or fingers. The pain usually is on the palm side of the forearm and wrist. Weakness occurs in the hands and is noticed when objects get dropped.

Omaha Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Risks

There are a number of risk factors associated with the development of Omaha Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Risk factors increase your chances of aggravating the median nerve or developing CTS. Anatomy: An injury to the wrist such as a dislocation or fracture can cause increased pressure on the median nerve. Gender: Carpal tunnel syndrome is generally more common in women. This may be because the carpal tunnel area is relatively smaller than in men. Women who have carpal tunnel syndrome may also have smaller carpal tunnels than women who don’t have the condition. Nerve-damage: Certain health conditions can cause nerve damage. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and alcoholism, can cause damage to nerves in your body, including damage to your median nerve. Smoking: Smoking reduces the blood flow to the median nerve. Inflammation: Rheumatoid arthritis, infection and other conditions involving inflammation can exert pressure on your median nerve. Body Fluid Balance: Certain conditions — such as menopause, obesity, thyroid disorders and kidney failure, among others — can affect the level of fluids in your body and cause fluid retention and swelling. This swelling can put pressure on the median nerve. Pregnancy: Fluid retention in pregnancy can increase the pressure within your carpal tunnel, irritating the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome associated with pregnancy generally resolves on its own after the pregnancy is over. Oral Contraceptives: Can increase pressure in the median nerve. Obesity: Obesity puts pressure on the median nerve through compression of the wrist. People classified as obese are 2.5 times more likely than slender people to be diagnosed with CTS. Workplace: It’s possible that working with vibrating tools, repetitive movements involving prolonged or repetitive flexing of the wrist may create harmful pressure on the median nerve, or worsen existing nerve damage.

Omaha Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery

You may need surgery if non-surgical procedures for your carpal tunnel syndrome have been ineffective. If you think you may need surgery you should seek advice from your doctor. Learn about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Omaha, Ne including eligibility, expectations, treatments, and more.