Expert Solutions by Dr. A. Mohan Krishna
Do your hands feel numb, tingly, or weak? You might be experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This happens when the “median nerve”—which runs from your forearm into your hand—becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. 🦴⚡
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway at your wrist made of bones and ligaments. When this tunnel narrows or the tissues around the tendons swell, it puts pressure on the nerve, leading to pain and discomfort. 🤏🩹
Symptoms usually start slowly and can happen at any time:
Numbness & Tingling: A “pins and needles” feeling in your thumb and first three fingers. ⚡🖖
Night Pain: Waking up with the need to “shake out” your hand or wrist. 😴🌙
Weakness: Difficulty gripping objects or performing fine tasks like buttoning a shirt. 👕❌
Dropping Things: Unexpectedly losing your grip on a phone or cup. ☕📱
It is often caused by a combination of factors:
Repetitive Use: Doing the same hand and wrist motions over and over. ⌨️🖱️
Hand Position: Keeping your wrist flexed or extended for long periods. 📉
Health Conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid issues. 🩺
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can cause temporary swelling. 🤰
How Dr. A. Mohan Krishna Helps You Heal
1. A Thorough Evaluation 📸 Dr. Mohan Krishna will check the strength of your hand muscles and perform simple tests (like tapping on the nerve) to see if it causes tingling. We may also use Nerve Conduction Tests (EMG) to measure how well the nerve is working. 🧪
2. Non-Surgical Treatment (Early Care) 💊 If caught early, carpal tunnel can often be managed without surgery:
Bracing/Splinting: Wearing a wrist splint at night to keep the nerve from being pinched while you sleep. 🧣💤
Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. 💊
Activity Changes: Modifying your workstation or taking frequent breaks. 🛑
Steroid Injections: A cortisone shot can provide powerful, temporary relief from inflammation. 💉
3. Surgical Solutions 🏥 If symptoms are severe or don’t improve, Dr. Mohan Krishna may recommend Carpal Tunnel Release. This is a quick procedure where the ligament forming the “roof” of the tunnel is cut to create more space for the nerve. 🛠️✨
Don’t wait for the numbness to become permanent. Schedule a consultation with Dr. A. Mohan Krishna at Bones and Joints Clinic today.