Carpal tunnel syndrome is an illness that affects the wrist, making it difficult and painful for people experiencing it to perform normal tasks. This illness can affect anywhere from 3 to 6% of adults, making it one of the most common entrapment neuropathy. Luckily, there are a few different treatment options available that can restore function and the individual’s quality of life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome, The Vu Center in Portland is here to help. Our board-certified hand specialist, Dr. Kim Chi Vu, has years of experience working with patients with carpal tunnel, and she can provide you with treatment options that can help you find the relief you deserve. Life is too short to spend every day in pain, and our team at The Vu Center is more than happy to help. Explore our website to learn more about our plastic and cosmetic surgery options, and if you would like to learn more about our treatment options for carpal tunnel, continue reading below or give us a call to schedule a consultation.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is aptly named after the area that it affects. The carpal tunnel is a small area/tunnel in the wrist. It is filled with blood vessels, ligaments, and the median nerve, all of which pass through the tunnel from the wrist to the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the ligaments within the carpal tunnel become irritated and swollen, which results in painful pressure on the median nerve. The result of this pressure is a painful wrist that can make completing simple tasks more uncomfortable and difficult.
Typically, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to repetitive or forceful motion of the wrist that places pressure on the median nerve. A common example of this might be someone who gardens frequently or works in a factory assembly line. However, there are certain diseases or conditions that can put a person at higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, previous wrist injuries, and pregnancy.
Symptoms
As mentioned above, the most common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome is pain in the wrist, but there are many other symptoms that an individual may experience if they are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. These symptoms include:
- Swelling of the hand and wrist
- Dull, aching pain in the wrist
- Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation felt in the hand mostly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Sharp, shooting pain that may radiate up your forearm and can even reach the shoulder
- Cramping, stiffness, or weakness that makes it difficult to do simple, everyday tasks
In addition to experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above, a doctor can determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome by performing a physical exam, an evaluation of your personal health and work history, or a nerve conduction study.
Treatment Options
Once your doctor has determined that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, the next step is to go over your treatment options. At The Vu Center, we require all patients to schedule a consultation before scheduling any sort of treatment. This allows us to get to know you and your symptoms, as well as develop a treatment option that is best for you and your lifestyle.
If you choose to receive treatment through The Vu Center, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Dr. Kim Chi Vu is our board-certified hand specialist, and she has years of experience working with individuals who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. During the consultation, she will meet with you to determine how severe the condition is, and from there, she will help you decide which treatment option is best for you. Depending on the severity of your carpal tunnel syndrome, your treatment options include:
- Wearing a splint or brace to help immobilize the wrist and decrease motion
- Steroid injections that relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling
- Hand therapy and exercises to strengthen the wrist
- Using a TENS unit that stimulates pulses into your wrist to help alleviate pain
- Surgery to release and cut the carpal ligament to increase space and ease pressure off the median nerve
Recovery
During your consultation with Dr. Vu, she will be able to recommend the treatment option that will be right for you and your lifestyle. Some treatment options require you to attend hand therapy or wear a brace to help relieve the pain. Our other treatment options may be more intense, but they have little to none recovery time, allowing you to get back to your normal life as soon as possible.
That being said, if Dr. Kim Chi Vu decided that surgery is the best option for you, there may be some recovery time involved. Following the procedure, your wrist will likely be in a heavy bandage or splint until it has fully healed, and you may experience some pain that can be controlled using pain medication. Following the removal of the bandage, you may be required to attend hand therapy to ensure that your hand returns to full function.
If you have any questions about carpal tunnel surgery, or you would like to know more about the procedure, schedule a consultation with The Vu Center today!
Learn More at The Vu Center
Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t have to be something that you live with the rest of your life. At The Vu Center, we are dedicated to helping our patients find relief from pain and get back to living their best lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome, our team is more than happy to help. Explore our website to learn more about the plastic and cosmetic surgery options we offer, and give us a call to schedule a consultation at our Portland office about our carpal tunnel treatments today!
Schedule a Consultation!
At The Vu Center in Portland, we want to ensure that all of our patients are happy and comfortable with each step of the procedure. We are here to support you, so if you have any questions or you are ready to schedule a consultation, give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!