Why You Shouldn't Ignore That Popping Sound in Your Knee
If you ever have knee pain that’s accompanied by a loud pop or crack, it’s important to see an orthopedic specialist. You may have severed a ligament, torn cartilage, or a dislocated kneecap.
4 Common Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sometimes, when you pick up your water bottle, you can’t grasp it firmly. You experience burning pain in your thumb and some of your fingers. Before the pain gets any worse, you know it’s time to see a specialist.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Shults with Coastal Empire Orthopedics likely orders X-rays to rule out a fracture or ligament injury. After examining your hand and arm and asking you to perform physical tests to determine where the pain is coming from, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Shults may tell you that you have carpal tunnel syndrome if your X-rays are negative.
You’ve probably heard of carpal tunnel syndrome but don’t know exactly what it is or why you have it.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
First of all, you likely wonder what “carpal tunnel” means. Your carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist. Your median nerve is a long nerve extending from your upper arm through your forearm to your wrist and hand. It controls the movement of your thumb and first four fingers.
Your median nerve must pass through the carpal tunnel and into your hand. If it becomes compressed, you experience the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Four common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
You’ll experience some or all of these symptoms if you develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
Increasing pain
Carpal tunnel usually develops gradually. You might initially feel occasional twinges when you make certain movements with your fingers and hand. If left untreated, carpal tunnel pain becomes severe. You may feel burning pain in your thumb and first four fingers.
Numbness or tingling
Along with stinging pain, you may experience numbness and/or tingling in your thumb and first four fingers. Carpal tunnel can make it difficult to grasp objects with your hand, making everyday tasks much harder to accomplish.
Weakness in your hand
You may find yourself dropping items you’ve just picked up. You may not be able to grasp them firmly. Your fine motor skills are impaired. It’s hard to use zippers or button your clothes.
Bursts of pain radiating into the forearm and upper arm
In addition to pain in your thumb and fingers, you may experience spurts of pain that travel from your hand into your forearm and/or upper arm.
Treatment for carpal tunnel
Dr. Shults explains that you’ve irritated the nerve through repetitive hand and wrist motions. You’ll need to take a break from the activity that caused the inflammation and make adjustments when you perform that activity in the future. Dr. Shults provides a doctor’s note for your employer when needed.
Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated conservatively. Rest, using a brace or splint, physical therapy, and medication help relieve your pain and restore lost range of motion. If you’re in severe pain, we administer a steroid injection.
Treating carpal tunnel in the early stages can help you avoid surgery and possible permanent nerve damage. If your condition is severe, Dr. Shults performs a minor operation to release the carpal tunnel by cutting a ligament.
You Might Also Enjoy...
4 Compelling Benefits of Regenerative Orthopedics
Do you have painful arthritis or a musculoskeletal injury causing persistent pain? If you’ve tried other treatments that haven’t worked, it’s time to consider regenerative orthopedics.
What's the Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain?
Sprains and strains are common orthopedic injuries. But do you know the difference between them? Both are soft tissue injuries. Learn more about sprains and strains, including symptoms and treatment.
I Was Just Diagnosed with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis - What Caused It?
Pain and swelling in your hand, wrist, and/or thumb can make it difficult to complete work tasks as well as function effectively at home. If you have unexplained pain in your thumb and/or wrist, you could have de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
The Pros and Cons of Cortisone Injections for Pain Relief
If your musculoskeletal pain isn’t relieved by over-the-counter drugs, you’re seeking medical treatment. Learn about the pros and cons of cortisone injections and whether this treatment may be right for you.
When is Internal Fixation Necessary?
If you or a loved one has broken a bone, you may need an operation; sometimes, a cast isn’t appropriate. Your broken bone or bones may need to be held together with metal tools. This surgical method is called internal fixation.