Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

You may feel as though your hand is “going to sleep”. Usually, your index and middle fingers are most affected, but the sensation may occur throughout your hand. If your symptoms began recently, you may be awakened from sleep with numbness or pain, which may be relieved when you shake or rub your hand. In later stages, the numbness may become continuous.

In most cases, your treatment will begin with nonsurgical approaches that may relieve your symptoms. Many patients get relief from simply modifying their activities to reduce pressure within the carpal tunnel, and wearing a wristlet to keep their wrist in a neutral position. A steroid injection may also be used to relieve symptoms. Taking medications by mouth, such as vitamin B6 or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may be tried for some patients to relieve symptoms.

UofL Physicians – Kleinert Kutz Hand Care will perform a physical examination. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (NCS/EMG) may be used to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of your condition.

If the nonsurgical methods are unsuccessful, UofL Health – Kleinert Kutz Surgery Center may recommend surgery. The goals of surgery are to reduce pressure within the carpal tunnel to alleviate median nerve compression.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact us at 502-561-4263 or 1-800-477-4263. To request an appointment online, use our Appointment Request Form.