Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually related to a stress-related or repetitive motion injury, which means it occurs because of overuse, incorrect use or strain to the forearm. The carpal tunnel itself is actually a tunnel. It’s formed by bones in your wrist; tendons run through that tunnel, connecting your forearm and hand. Those tendons that can be damaged or crowded by inflammation, causing the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel.
The good news is that there are a number of treatment options to remedy those symptoms and the underlying problems associated with them. Many people believe you have to go to a big city or metro-area facility to get treatment for such problems, but here’s something carpal tunnel surgeons in NYC won’t tell you: There are specialists trained to treat these types of issues all over the country. We have experienced, talented surgeons right here in New Jersey.
Carpal Tunnel Overview: Cause and Diagnosis
Carpal tunnel is caused by a number of different factors. Repetitive hand use is a common cause of the condition when individuals use the same wrist or hand movements constantly over time. This can include movements common in sports, manufacturing operations and typing.
Other factors that can cause carpal tunnel include degeneration to bones and tendons from aging, genetics, hormone and fluid changes associated with pregnancy or hormonal imbalances and certain diseases such as thyroid conditions, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
When it comes to diagnosing the condition, carpal tunnel surgeons in NYC and around the country take many of the same steps. Diagnosis usually involves your doctor reviewing your medical history, discussing any current symptoms with you and performing a physical examination. During the examination, the doctor will evaluate symptoms, pain, pressure points and movement in your shoulder, arm, wrist, hand or neck. A comprehensive exam is important to rule out other possible issues that could be leading to symptoms.
Doctors may also use nerve conditions study tests during diagnosis of carpal tunnel. These tests measure how fast impulses are communicated between your nerves; one indication that carpal tunnel syndrome is present is that nerve impulses slow as they pass from the arm through the wrist and to the hand.
Carpal Tunnel Treatment & Recovery
Once you are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, treatment can begin. Most doctors, including carpal tunnel surgeons in NYC, won’t default right to surgery in every case. Mild cases might not require surgery, and not everyone is a good candidate for surgical intervention. In such cases, doctors may take a more conservative approach first, which can include:
- Recommending over-the-counter medications to treat inflammation and pain, such as ibuprofen, naproxen or other NSAIDs.
- Bracing or splinting the wrist for proper support, especially during repetitive activity.
- Modifying movements or removing certain movements from daily routines to slow the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Corticosteroid injections to provide temporary relief is pain is moderate to severe.
- Physical therapy to adopt new ways of moving that will slow the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome
Although all these treatments do work, surgery is usually required for any long-term relief of severe carpal tunnel issues. If you’re experiencing numbness, weakness or pain that isn’t being helped by the above treatments, consider talking to your doctor about surgery or seeking a consultation with a carpal tunnel surgery.
Working with the Right Doctor
The right doctor makes a big difference in your treatment; you want someone who will listen to you and carefully evaluate your condition before providing high-quality treatment options. You can find good carpal tunnel surgeons in NYC, of course, but you can also find them in New Jersey and any other state.
The right doctor will have:
- Experience specifically treating carpal tunnel and performing the surgeries that are involved.
- The right education and degrees.
- Accreditation with national surgical and medical organizations.
- Patience as they work with you to address your carpal tunnel syndrome.
Experience with Carpal Tunnel at Cohen Winters
While there are some great carpal tunnel surgeons in NYC, you don’t have to travel outside of the state of New Jersey just to work with an experienced doctor.
The doctors at Cohen Winters offer that type of care, and they have years of experience in treating issues like carpal tunnel. Dr. Janet Yueh is a hand specialist who works with patients of all ages, helping them understand their carpal tunnel symptoms and what options they have for treatment. Dr. Yueh can provide carpal tunnel treatments, including surgery, to help individuals find relief from pain and other symptoms associated with the injury. She sees patients in the Cohen Winters Bergen County office.
Don’t Wait to Seek Treatment for Carpal Tunnel
If you are dealing with pain in your hand, arm or wrist or feel numb or weak in those areas at any time of the day, don’t wait to seek treatment. You may or may not have carpal tunnel syndrome, and there are other injuries and disorders that can trigger the same symptoms. Consulting with an experienced hand surgeon lets you understand what may be at the root of your symptoms and how you can deal with them.
