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Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of hand and wrist pain, affecting 3%-5% of adults. At his practice in New Port Richey, Florida, John B. Fuller, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome. He uses a conservative, minimally invasive approach to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to their usual routine. Call the office today to schedule carpal tunnel syndrome treatment, or book your appointment online.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Q&A
What does carpal tunnel syndrome feel like?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when your median nerve, which runs from your upper arm to your hand, becomes compressed by the bones and ligaments in your wrist. The excess pressure affects your fine motor skills, resulting in tingling, numbness, and weakness.
When should I see a doctor about carpal tunnel syndrome?
Make an appointment with Dr. Fuller if you have hand or wrist pain that doesn’t improve with conservative measures like ice, rest, and activity modification. That’s especially true if you notice your symptoms getting worse.
Carpal tunnel syndrome often causes permanent muscle and nerve damage without treatment.
How does an orthopaedic surgeon diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?
Dr. Fuller reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including what the pain feels like, if it’s worse during certain activities, and if it’s ongoing or comes and goes.
Dr. Fuller examines your wrist and the palm of your hand, checking for redness and swelling. He may ask you to move your fingers and assess the strength of the muscles in your hand. He will then bend your wrist back and forth gently and tap on your median nerve to see if it triggers numbness or pain.
Last, he orders an ultrasound to get a closer look at your median nerve and wrist bones. This test helps confirm whether your median nerve is compressed.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Dr. Fuller treats carpal tunnel syndrome using an integrative, patient-centered approach. He might suggest:
- Taking frequent breaks to rest your hands
- Applying ice to reduce swelling
- Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms
- Wrist splinting
- Corticosteroid injections
If your symptoms continue even after conservative treatments, Dr. Fuller might recommend carpal tunnel surgery, performed using a minimally invasive or open technique. The goal is to relieve pressure on the median nerve to reduce pain and restore mobility.
Can alternative therapies relieve carpal tunnel syndrome?
Dr. Fuller usually prescribes time-tested treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. Even so, he is committed to meeting patients where they’re at. Let him know if you’d like to know more about the pros and cons of alternative procedures.
Call the office of John B. Fuller, MD, today to schedule carpal tunnel syndrome treatment, or book your appointment online.