Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome services offered in Porterville, Reedley and Visalia, CA

The early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome are easy to miss because they build up gradually. Once symptoms appear, don't wait to seek treatment because the nerve damage becomes permanent over time. With over 15 years of experience, the board-certified hand surgeons at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services have successfully helped many patients overcome carpal tunnel syndrome, reverse nerve damage, and regain the full use of their hands. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Visalia, Porterville, or Reedley, California, or book a consultation online today.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow space that lets nine tendons and the median nerve travel through your wrist and into your hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the nerve gets pinched inside the tunnel.

The tunnel is surrounded on three sides by bone, and its roof consists of a thick ligament. When any of the soft tissues in the tunnel become inflamed, the nerve can easily get compressed.

Am I at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome?

Some people have a higher risk because they're born with a small carpal tunnel. Your chances also go up if you perform repetitive hand movements or bend your wrist while using your hands.

Conditions that contribute to the problem by causing inflammation or increasing the pressure include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Ganglion cysts
Bone spurs
Amyloidosis
Gout

Any type of wrist injury may also narrow the tunnel and cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

You may only have mild symptoms at first, but then they get more noticeable as pressure on the nerve increases. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Tingling or numbness in your fingers
Feeling that you have swollen fingers (when you don't)
Pain or discomfort in your fingers, hand, and wrist
Loss of muscle at the base of your thumb
Dropping objects
Trouble grasping objects with your fingers

The primary and earliest symptoms typically include tingling or numbness in your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

The experienced hand surgeons at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services provide comprehensive care for carpal tunnel syndrome, from conservative therapies to surgery when needed.

Your treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. In most cases, you begin by wearing a wrist brace at night. Your provider may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or inject steroids for longer-lasting pain relief.

Performing nerve gliding exercises often improves carpal tunnel symptoms. Your provider may also ask you to temporarily limit activities that cause tingling or numbness. They also give you tips for keeping your wrist in a neutral position when working.

If your symptoms don't improve or diagnostic testing shows you have severe nerve damage, your provider may recommend surgery to release the pressure on the nerve.

Don't put off getting help for carpal tunnel. Schedule an appointment by calling Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services or book online today.