What You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Did you know that about 6% of American adults struggle with carpal tunnel syndrome? In fact, it’s the most common nerve entrapment neuropathy. 

It’s notorious for causing pain, weakness, and tingling, but similar symptoms can stem from other conditions, such as nerve compression in your neck or peripheral neuropathy. The only way to determine the exact cause of your symptoms is through a thorough medical evaluation.

At Link Integrated Healthcare, our primary care and neurology teams in Camarillo, Northridge, Oxnard, Simi Valley, and Santa Barbara, California, provide comprehensive assessments and advanced diagnostic testing to identify the source of your symptoms. So, if you’re struggling with these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about carpal tunnel syndrome, courtesy of our team of experts here at Link Integrated Healthcare.   

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Your carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway made of bones and ligaments. Your median nerve and several flexor tendons that move your fingers are located inside this small space. Your median nerve controls movement in your forearm, wrist, hands, and fingers. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when that nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. 

When swelling, inflammation, or structural changes reduce that space, pressure builds on your nerves. That pressure causes symptoms like pain, tingling, and weakness.

Signs you have carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome often affects your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.

You may notice:

• Numbness or tingling in the hand
• Burning or “pins and needles” sensations
• Weak grip strength or “butter fingers” 
• Symptoms that worsen at night

If symptoms progress, you might start to notice muscle weakness at the base of your thumb. This can make it easier for you to drop items unintentionally. 

What causes it?

Carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t always caused by one single activity. Instead, it’s the result of cumulative stress on your wrist month after month. 

Several factors increase your risk, including:

• Repetitive hand and wrist motions
• Prolonged typing or computer use
• Wrist positioning during sleep

In addition to overuse, health conditions, including pregnancy and diabetes, can increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Regardless of what causes it, don’t brush off the symptoms. Nerves don’t respond well to prolonged compression, and left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage.

What to do if you spot the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

If you suspect that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your next step is to schedule an appointment at Link Integrated Healthcare. The sooner you get your wrist examined, the better.  

At Link Integrated Healthcare, we evaluate more than just your wrist. We assess your posture, shoulder mechanics, and nerve mobility to identify contributing factors.

However, when symptoms are persistent, worsening, or unclear, diagnostic testing may be necessary. Our team uses electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to evaluate how well your median nerve is functioning. 

EMG testing helps confirm whether nerve compression is present, determine its severity, and rule out other conditions such as cervical radiculopathy or peripheral neuropathy.

How carpal tunnel syndrome is treated

If your EMG confirms carpal tunnel syndrome, your Link Integrated Healthcare provider reviews all of your treatment options with you. Your treatment may include:

• Nerve gliding exercises
• Postural correction
• Wrist bracing (when appropriate)
• Injections
• Surgery (when appropriate) 

Our goal is to reduce pressure on your median nerve, restore proper wrist movement, and help you return to work and daily activities without pain or numbness.

Don’t ignore the warning signs

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common, but it’s treatable. Schedule an appointment at Link Integrated Healthcare or call the location most convenient to you.