Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Specialist in Hoboken, NJ

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition often characterized by a combination of symptoms, including hand and arm pain, numbness, and tingling. The root cause of these symptoms is pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm and is responsible for sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, excluding the little finger. This nerve, along with several tendons, passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow pathway in the wrist. When the tunnel narrows or there is swelling in the tunnel, it can compress the median nerve, leading to the symptoms associated with CTS. This condition can be triggered by a variety of factors, including repetitive hand or wrist movements, pregnancy, and certain health conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is primarily caused by pressure on the median nerve. This pressure can ensue from an array of sources, including swelling, an injury, or an underlying health condition. One of the most common causes is repetitive strain due to activities that involve frequent, forceful, or awkward hand movements. These can include prolonged typing, working with vibrating tools, or any repetitive motion that overextends the wrist. In addition, certain health conditions, like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis, can increase the risk of developing CTS. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, can also induce temporary CTS due to fluid retention, causing swelling in the carpal tunnel. It’s worth noting that each individual’s risk can be influenced by their personal health history and lifestyle factors.

The common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically start gradually and can vary significantly from one person to another. Most often, individuals experience tingling or numbness in their fingers or hands, especially in the thumb, index, middle, or ring fingers. This sensation often occurs while holding a steering wheel, phone, or newspaper or upon awakening. A common practice among many individuals is to “shake out” their hands in an attempt to alleviate their symptoms. As the condition progresses, the numbness may become constant. Some people also experience a sensation of weakness in their hands and tend to drop objects. This is due to the numbness in their hand or weakness of the thumb’s pinching muscles, which are also controlled by the median nerve.

The treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at Hudson Sport & Spine in Hoboken, NJ, primarily focuses on alleviating symptoms and restoring normal function in the hand and wrist. The approach to treatment is typically conservative at first, including non-surgical interventions like wrist splinting, avoidance of activities that might exacerbate the condition, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. In cases where symptoms continue or worsen, we may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Additionally, physical therapy, including specific exercises and techniques to stretch and strengthen the wrist and hand muscles, can be beneficial in managing symptoms and preventing further complications. Each patient’s treatment plan is customized based on their personal health history, symptom severity, and lifestyle needs.

Don’t let carpal tunnel syndrome disrupt your life. At Hudson Sport & Spine in Hoboken, NJ, our team of specialists is dedicated to helping you regain wrist and hand functionality and reduce the pain associated with this condition. We invite you to call us today or conveniently book an appointment online. We look forward to providing the personalized care you need to get back to your everyday activities without discomfort. We serve patients from Hoboken NJ, Jersey City NJ, Weehawken NJ, West New York NJ, Guttenberg NJ, Secaucus NJ, Harrison NJ, Kearny NJ, Newark NJ, Belleville NJ, North Bergen NJ, and Lyndhurst NJ.