Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Louisiana
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes squeezed at the wrist. It can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and fingers. LA Pain Doctor helps patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA relieve carpal tunnel symptoms and protect hand function.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is the Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist made of bones and a strong ligament. The median nerve and the tendons that bend your fingers pass through it. When the tissues inside the tunnel swell or the space narrows, the median nerve is compressed, causing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Repetitive hand and wrist motions, such as typing, assembly work, or using vibrating tools
- Wrist injuries or fractures
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis of the hand and rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes, thyroid conditions, and fluid retention during pregnancy
- Conditions that affect nerves, such as Peripheral Neuropathy
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms usually begin gradually and often affect the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. Many patients notice numbness or tingling that wakes them up at night, pain that travels up the forearm, a weak grip, dropping objects, and difficulty with fine tasks like buttoning a shirt. Shaking the hand may temporarily relieve symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your provider will review your symptoms, examine your hand and wrist, and may order nerve testing. Because arm and hand numbness can also come from a pinched nerve in the neck, called Cervical Radiculopathy, an accurate diagnosis is important.
Early treatment includes wrist splinting, especially at night, activity changes, and ergonomic adjustments at work. When symptoms persist, a targeted steroid injection into the carpal tunnel, one of our joint injections, can reduce swelling around the nerve and provide significant relief. We also offer careful pain medication management for nerve pain. If nerve compression is severe, we will coordinate a referral for surgical evaluation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
What are the first signs of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Early signs include numbness and tingling in the thumb and fingers, especially at night, and occasional hand weakness.
Can carpal tunnel go away without surgery?
Many mild to moderate cases improve with splinting, activity changes, and steroid injections.
Do steroid injections help carpal tunnel?
Yes. A carpal tunnel injection can reduce swelling around the median nerve and relieve symptoms for weeks to months.
Why is carpal tunnel worse at night?
Many people bend their wrists while sleeping, which increases pressure on the median nerve.
Can neck problems cause hand numbness?
Yes. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause symptoms similar to carpal tunnel, so a careful evaluation is important.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery may be recommended if symptoms are severe, persist despite treatment, or cause muscle weakness.
Where can I get carpal tunnel treatment?
LA Pain Doctor treats carpal tunnel syndrome at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Get Relief From Hand Numbness and Pain
Don’t wait until carpal tunnel affects your grip. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.