When the carpal tunnel, the passageway on the palm side of your wrist that protects the median nerve, becomes compressed or irritated, carpal tunnel syndrome can result. At Willow Bend Chiropractic in Plano, TX, we treat carpal tunnel, a leading cause of wrist pain that can also cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
What Does the Carpal Tunnel Do?
The carpal tunnel is a passageway on the palm side of your wrist that protects the median nerve. This nerve controls feeling and movement in your thumb and some fingers.
It is made up of:
- Bones: The bones form the bottom and sides of the tunnel.
- Ligaments: The ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect the bones and hold them together.
- Tendons: The tendons are the tendons of the wrist and fingers.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a combination of factors. These include:
1. Anatomic factors: Some people are born with a carpal tunnel smaller than normal.
2. Poor work ergonomics: Poor ergonomics, such as repetitive motions of the wrist, can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. Medical conditions: Medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid problems can increase the risk of the syndrome developing.
What Are the Symptoms?
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually occur gradually, although they can sometimes develop suddenly. Early symptoms include:
- Tingling or numbness in the hand and fingers, especially the thumb and first two fingers
- Weakness in the hand and fingers
- Hand, finger, and wrist pain
Symptoms may also be worse when using your hand or fingers to do tasks that require repetitive motions, such as typing.
If carpal tunnel syndrome is not treated, it can cause permanent damage to the median nerve and lead to weakness and loss of sensation in the hand and fingers.
How Is Carpal Tunnel Diagnosed?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination and medical history. A chiropractic doctor on our team will ask about your symptoms and will also check for the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
How Is Carpal Tunnel Treated?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated treated with a combination of exercises, and other chiropractic care therapies. You can also avoid it through good work ergonomics.
If it is severe, you may need surgery to release the pressure on the median nerve. We will do our best to treat you without surgery.
Visit Us for Help with Wrist Pain and Work Ergonomics
At Willow Bend Chiropractic in Plano, TX, we offer a variety of treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. If you suffer from carpal tunnel pain, call (972) 608-4411 to make an appointment.