Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand can make everyday activities like typing or holding a coffee cup surprisingly difficult. If these symptoms keep coming back, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome, why are symptoms worse at night, and when do you need treatment? At Orthopedic & Wellness in Frederick, Waldorf, and Germantown, Maryland, Dr. Ojedapo Ojeyemi specializes in diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are answers to 10 common questions.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Pressure on this nerve can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness, particularly in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
There isn’t always a specific cause. Some people naturally have a narrower carpal tunnel, and injury, swelling, or repetitive hand movements can also increase pressure on the median nerve. Pregnancy, diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and certain occupations may increase your risk.
Your risk depends on factors such as anatomy, health history, and daily activities. An evaluation with Dr. Ojeyemi can help identify what conditions may have contributed to your symptoms and determine the best approach to managing them.
Symptoms often worsen at night because you may sleep with your wrists bent, increasing pressure inside the carpal tunnel. Fluid can also accumulate in the wrist while lying down, contributing to swelling and nerve compression.
Yes, a pinched nerve in the neck caused by conditions such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis can cause numbness, pain, or weakness in the arm and hand. Some people have both neck and wrist nerve compression, a condition called double crush syndrome.
A wrist brace may help people who have mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly when worn at night. It keeps the wrist in a neutral position and can reduce pressure on the median nerve. Some people also benefit from wearing a brace during activities that trigger symptoms.
Yes, carpal tunnel syndrome can affect both hands. Research suggests that having symptoms in both hands is more common with increasing age and higher body mass index (BMI).
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of symptoms. Early treatment may include activity modification, wrist splinting, and medications to manage discomfort. Corticosteroid injections may also help reduce inflammation and provide temporary symptom relief.
If you continue to have symptoms despite nonsurgical pain management or if you have significant nerve compression, Dr. Ojeyemi may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery. The procedure cuts the ligament pressing on the median nerve, creating more space in the carpal tunnel. Recovery takes time, but surgery can provide lasting relief for many people.
You can’t always prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. But you can take steps that may reduce your risk, such as:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common, but you shouldn’t ignore persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness. Early evaluation and treatment may help prevent symptoms from worsening and can reduce your risk of permanent nerve damage.
If you have tingling or weakness in your hands, now is the time to ask questions. Call Orthopedic & Wellness today or book an appointment online to schedule a consultation.
