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How often do you use your hands? Probably every waking hour! Each of these hand-working extremities has 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles, and more than 100 ligaments and tendons. And because your hands are so complicated, it’s no wonder that one or both can become damaged. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common hand ailment that can require intervention from an orthopedic surgeon.
The office of Woodworth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic issues throughout the body. We take as much time as you need to address your every concern and clearly explain your options in care.
The carpal tunnel is a slender corridor on the palm side of your wrist. The median nerve and tendons to the fingers and thumb run through this corridor; also, it’s in charge of the thumb and the first three fingers’ feeling and movement. When the nerve gets constricted, it becomes numb, tingly, weak and/or painful, resulting in CTS.
Though symptoms can manifest in one or both hands, they usually show up in your dominant hand first. CTS is three times more likely in women than men. The initial symptoms of CTS ebb and flow, but left untreated, the symptoms become continuous and more severe. Pain may travel from your hand up to your shoulder, and the muscles on the thumb side of your hand might eventually become atrophied.
If an orthopedic surgeon determines that you are a candidate for surgery, chances are that it will be done on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia. The procedure is sometimes performed using an endoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a camera lens for viewing); a small incision is made and the tiny camera guides the surgeon.
Woodworth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine’s team is made up of highly trained specialists who are eager to make you feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving the very best care. We take great pride in our outstanding service, attention to detail and friendly professionalism. Please call us today for an appointment.
By Woodworth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
March 23, 2022
