Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Diagnosis & Treatment
Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon, San Jose
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common hand conditions that many will experience in their lifetime. Nerve compression leads to pain and numbness in your hand, and without early medical intervention you may end up requiring carpal tunnel surgery.
The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve as it passes through your wrist joint. At first, you may notice a minor tingling in your fingers, but as time goes on the compression gradually worsens. Classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness or tingling in your thumb and first two fingers
- Sudden jolts felt in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Weakness in your hand that might lead to you feeling clumsy and dropping objects
Carpal tunnel syndrome can become debilitating over time as it can restrict you from performing simple tasks like writing, cooking, or typing due to pain and/or weakness. Sometimes you will require surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD
The Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Jose
Dr. Mehta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can help you recover from your joint condition.
We can help if you:
- Are Suffering From Pain and Mobility Issues
- Need Orthopedic Assessment and Advice
- Want Treatment From a Top Orthopedic Doctor
Call On 408-559-3888
or Send a Message.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Tests
The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome requires expert evaluation by a specialist. There are several other conditions which mimic carpal tunnel syndrome and it’s important that you get the correct diagnostic tests. Appropriate tests can include:
- A thorough physical exam to test the nerves in the hand and the motion at the wrist
- An X-ray to help rule out other conditions
- Electrophysiological tests including nerve conduction studies and electromyogram
Two conditions which have similar symptoms are rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by your immune system) and cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression arising from your neck). Dr. Pamela Mehta will help you to determine the correct diagnosis.
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
After getting a diagnosis from a specialist, there are several ways you can improve your symptoms. At Resilience Orthopedics we will help you explore all your non-surgical options. These can include:
- Carpal tunnel exercises, under supervision of an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist
- Carpal tunnel brace or splint, to help reduce the pressure on your median nerve
- Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation
If your symptoms are severe or not improving, you may require surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. This is called carpal tunnel release and reduces the pressure on your median nerve at the wrist.
Testimonials
What Hand & Wrist Services Do We Offer?
Hand & Wrist Pain Assessment
We use our hands every day of our lives for some of the most important of life's activities. Hand and wrist pain can be debilitating, meaning you struggle to drive, write, and play sports.
Hand & Wrist Surgery
If your hand condition is severe, or nothing you have tried has helped, Dr. Mehta can advise you on the options for surgery. She is a hand surgeon and can offer expert opinion and care.
Treatment of Hand & Wrist Conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome causes pain and numbness in your hand, and sometimes requires surgery.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis causes swelling and pain at the base of your thumb.
And Many More!
Dr. Mehta offers diagnosis and treatment of all hand & wrist conditions and can offer her specialist opinion as an expert hand doctor.
Call Us On 408-559-3888
or Send a Message.
