If you’re struggling with wrist pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands, it may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. The good news is that effective treatments are available, including innovative procedures like ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release with the advanced Sonex system.
Our experienced carpal tunnel specialists in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, provide state-of-the-art care for hand and wrist conditions. Contact us at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow today for the help you’re looking for!
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed or pinched. This nerve runs through a small passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, which is bordered on top by the transverse carpal ligament.
When the space inside the tunnel narrows due to swelling, thickening of the ligament, or other structural changes, pressure builds up on the median nerve. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. Without treatment, these symptoms may worsen, making it harder to grip objects, type, or perform fine motor tasks.
Several factors contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, and it can affect people of all ages and occupations. The most common causes include:
CTS is more common in women, older adults, and people who frequently engage in repetitive wrist movements.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel usually develop gradually and worsen over time. If you notice any of the following signs, you may be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome:
These symptoms are often worse at night or after activities that involve bending the wrist. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can result in permanent nerve and muscle damage, so it’s important to seek care from a carpal tunnel specialist.
If you have persistent wrist pain or suspect you may have CTS, a specialist can help diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. The process typically involves:
Accurate diagnosis is key to selecting the right carpal tunnel treatment for your needs.
The goal of treating carpal tunnel syndrome is to alleviate the pressure on the median nerve and resolve the symptoms. Mild symptoms can usually be treated by means of conservative treatment, including splinting or bracing. A splint or brace is usually recommended for use at night. This will prevent unwanted bending or flexing of the wrist and help the carpal tunnel passageway remain open with less inflammation.
Treatment could include anti-inflammatory prescriptions to reduce the swelling in the carpal tunnel. In addition, corticosteroid injections can be applied directly to the inflamed synovium to reduce swelling. However, these solutions are temporary, as the reduction in swelling is not guaranteed to last permanently.
Once all other options have been exhausted, carpal tunnel surgery is next in line to provide relief and treatment. Carpal tunnel release surgery is a minimally invasive surgery. It uses an incision in the palm, allowing access to the carpal tunnel to manually increase the width of the carpal tunnel and permanently relieve pressure on the median nerve.
At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we offer ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release using the Sonex system. This procedure is a cutting-edge alternative to traditional open surgery or endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
Here’s how it works:
This advanced technique results in less tissue disruption, minimal scarring, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional carpal tunnel surgery.
Patients seeking relief from carpal tunnel syndrome surgery are often drawn to the benefits of ultrasound-guided release, including:
These advantages make it a preferred option for those seeking long-term relief with minimal downtime.
One of the biggest advantages of ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release is the faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients experience the following:
Because ultrasound-guided release uses a smaller incision and less tissue disruption, recovery tends to be faster and less painful than traditional carpal tunnel release surgery.
Although it’s not always possible to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, you can reduce your risk by making a few lifestyle adjustments:
If you notice early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, early intervention may prevent symptoms from worsening.
If you’re living with wrist pain, numbness, or tingling in your hand, don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse. Seek care from a carpal tunnel specialist in Atlanta or Marietta, GA, at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow.
Our experienced team provides comprehensive care, from diagnosis to advanced treatments like ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release. We are dedicated to relieving your pain and restoring your hand’s function so you can get back to living life to the fullest. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
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