What Are the Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

About 90% of neuropathy cases in the US are caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition causes numbness and pain in the hands or wrists, impacting mobility and overall well-being. But what are the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Let’s explore the common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and effective nonsurgical treatment options for CTS. 

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the narrow passageway in the wrist, known as the carpal tunnel, compresses the median nerve.

This compression disrupts the communication between the brain and hand, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and wrist pain. 

Your median nerve controls the movement and sensation from your thumb to your ring finger. So, when median nerve compression occurs, you might find it difficult to do tasks that require using your hands or wrists.

Early diagnosis is crucial to regain control of your well-being. At Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers, we diagnose and treat CTS with personalized care. Our team will help relieve pain through comprehensive and conservative treatments.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, hence the name. Common causes include: 

• Repetitive hand movements (typing, assembly line work)
• Poor ergonomics (improper or awkward wrist positioning for long periods)
• Health conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or hypothyroidism

Risk factors include occupations requiring forceful gripping or vibrating tools. Office workers, mechanics, and cashiers frequently develop CTS symptoms. Some people genetically have a narrower carpal tunnel, increasing their susceptibility to nerve compression. 

Women and those with inflammatory arthritis face higher risks. Early intervention can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from progressing to severe cases that require surgical treatment. Recognizing these triggers helps manage carpal tunnel syndrome effectively.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Numbness or tingling sensations in your thumb, index, middle, and ring finger (but usually not the pinky) 
• Weakness in your hand, making it hard to grip objects or perform fine movements
• Wrist pain or electric-like shocks that may travel up your arm
• Nighttime symptoms that disrupt sleep, often relieved by shaking your hand

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms often start gradually and worsen over time. As CTS progresses, you may also notice:

• Daytime symptoms triggered by repetitive motions like typing or driving
• Difficulty distinguishing temperatures due to nerve damage
• Persistent numbness that makes dropping objects more likely 

If these CTS symptoms interfere with daily life, early treatment can relieve pain and prevent permanent nerve injury. Don’t ignore worsening symptoms—seek evaluation to explore carpal tunnel syndrome treatments tailored to your needs.

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

An accurate diagnosis is critical in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. We use a comprehensive approach to identify median nerve compression and rule out other conditions.

1. Clinical Examination. We review your medical history and analyze your carpal tunnel symptoms, including when they occur and what makes them worse.
2. Physical Tests. Simple physical exams, such as Tinel’s Sign (tapping the wrist) and Phalen’s Test (holding wrists bent), check for median nerve irritation.
3. Nerve Studies. Nerve conduction tests measure signal speed in your median nerve to confirm compression.
4. Muscle Response Check. An electromyography detects if nerve damage affects muscle function.
5. Ruling Out Other Causes. We ensure symptoms aren’t from rheumatoid arthritis, pinched neck nerves, or other conditions.

Early, accurate diagnosis allows us to recommend the most effective carpal tunnel treatment. By diagnosing your CTS early, we can promptly provide targeted care for your needs. 

Nonsurgical Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Options

What are the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome? Several nonsurgical treatment options can provide lasting relief. 

Chiropractic Care 

Chiropractic for carpal tunnel syndrome gently realigns wrist bones and soft tissues to decompress the median nerve, often providing immediate improvement in nerve gliding and pain relief without drugs or surgery. 

Physical Therapy 

Physical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome combines nerve gliding exercises, ergonomic training, and targeted stretches to strengthen muscles, reduce nerve compression, and restore pain-free hand function for daily tasks. 

Joint Injections 

Joint injections, such as steroid injections, deliver potent corticosteroid medicine directly into the carpal tunnel to rapidly reduce swelling and calm inflammatory arthritis, offering months of pain relief for moderate to severe symptoms. 

Cold Laser Therapy

This minimally invasive technique uses focused light energy to reduce swelling, accelerate tissue repair, and relieve nighttime symptoms. It is ideal for patients seeking drug-free alternative medicine options. 

Take Control of Your Joint Health 

Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t have to limit your life—effective treatments, from chiropractic care and physical therapy to corticosteroid injections, can relieve pain and restore function. Early conservative treatments often prevent the need for carpal tunnel release surgery.

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What are the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?” you can take the first step towards relief. Schedule a consultation with Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers. Contact us today!