Carpal tunnel syndrome is an incapacitating condition that affects a significant number of people worldwide. It is characterized by wrist pain, numbness, and tingling sensations, making everyday tasks difficult. Unfortunately, people with carpal tunnel syndrome often struggle to find a treatment or even understand the condition itself.
Our physiatrist in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Ahmad, provides regenerative medicine to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in Charlotte, NC that ensures you are free of musculoskeletal pain and can enjoy pain-free wrists. Let’s talk about the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, its common symptoms, and how it can be treated with regenerative medicine.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common and often debilitating condition that affects the hand and wrist. The causes of this condition arise from the compression of the median nerve as it moves through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The median nerve is responsible for sensation and movement in your hand and fingers, so compression can lead to significant pain and weakness in these areas.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that is formed by bones, ligaments, and tendons. The median nerve runs through this tunnel along with several tendons that control movement in the fingers. When the nerve is compressed, it can cause pain, weakness, and tingling or numbness in the hand and fingers.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Factors that often cause carpal tunnel syndrome to develop include:
- Compression of the median nerve: The median nerve, which is located in the wrist, is responsible for sending sensory and motor signals to the hand and fingers. When this nerve undergoes pressure due to repetitive motion, tissue swelling, or inflammation, it can produce pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand.
- Underlying medical conditions: People with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or arthritis, have fluid imbalances that can lead to swelling, inflammation, and nerve damage, increasing the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Occupational factors: Workers in jobs that require repetitive motions, such as assembly line workers, typists, and carpenters, are at higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, exposure to hand-arm vibration and poor ergonomics, such as improper computer posture and desk height, have been linked to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually develop gradually over time. As the condition progresses, the symptoms may become more severe. Here are symptoms you should look out for.
1. Tingling and Numbness
Tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers occur. This is because the median nerve, which provides sensation to these fingers, becomes compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel. The numbness and tingling may be present during the day or may occur at night, causing sleep disturbances.
2. Shock-like Sensations
Shock-like sensations can be a distressing symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. People with this condition may experience sudden, electric-like jolts of pain shooting through their wrists and hands. These shocks can be triggered by simple actions like gripping objects or typing on a keyboard, making daily activities challenging and uncomfortable.
3. Dropping Things Often
Dropping things often can be a frustrating symptom associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Weakness and numbness in the hands can make it difficult to maintain a firm grip, leading to frequent accidents. This symptom may be particularly noticeable when handling objects that require fine motor skills, such as utensils, keys, or pens.
If you begin noticing these symptoms, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact our physiatrist in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Ahmad, for immediate assistance.
Do Conservative Medical Treatments Typically Prevent Carpal Tunnel?
Conservative medical treatments are effective in the prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome. The conservative medical treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome encompasses various non-surgical procedures aimed at strengthening the wrist and relieving pressure from the median nerve.
While traditional treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include physical therapy, pain medication, steroid injection, and surgery, regenerative medicine like PRP is an alternative that is less invasive and more effective. By incorporating the treatments into your daily routines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treat Carpal Tunnel With Regenerative Medicine In Charlotte, NC
Regenerative medicine pertains to the medical discipline that emphasizes the restoration and renewal of impaired tissues and organs. It uses techniques like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue.
At Stem Cell Carolina, we provide regenerative medicine as a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome in Charlotte, NC to reduce pain around the wrists and improve your overall health. Our physiatrist, Dr. Ahmad, specializes in stem cell therapy and PRP therapy and is ready to help you repair and regenerate damaged tissues in your body. Contact us today to start treating your carpal tunnel syndrome and permanently alleviate your pain!
Disclaimer: The benefits of regenerative medicine have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA.
