Carpal Tunnel: Nonsurgical Solutions at Enhance Center
If wrist pain or numbness is holding you back from your daily activities, it might be time to explore a solution for carpal tunnel syndrome. At Enhance Center, located in Livonia and Clinton Township, MI, our dedicated team specializes in diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome using nonsurgical methods that focus on effective pain relief and restoring your hand’s functionality. With personalized care, we provide the most appropriate treatments tailored to your needs, so you can get back to the activities you love.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which travels from the forearm through the wrist and into the hand, gets compressed. This compression leads to tingling, numbness, pain, and, in some cases, weakness in the hand and fingers. The pressure often arises from repetitive motions or activities like typing, which can worsen over time.
If untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, making it harder to use your hand effectively. Understanding the signs early can make all the difference in preventing further complications.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome manifests through several key symptoms:
- Tingling or Numbness: Often in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
- Pain: Pain radiating from the wrist up the arm, sometimes accompanied by electric shock-like sensations.
- Weakness: Difficulty holding objects, loss of hand strength, or a diminished grip.
Symptoms typically develop gradually and worsen over time, especially if left untreated. In the later stages, carpal tunnel can significantly interfere with your daily activities, such as typing, driving, or even holding a phone.
Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When you visit Enhance Center, our team starts with a thorough discussion of your symptoms and activities to understand what might be causing your wrist discomfort. A physical exam follows, where we carefully assess the movement of your wrist and fingers to pinpoint any pain or discomfort.
If necessary, we’ll perform imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI to look for compression of the median nerve. We may also recommend a nerve conduction study to measure how well signals travel through the nerve.
One important aspect of diagnosis is identifying whether the median nerve is the primary issue or if other conditions, such as nerve problems in the neck or double crush syndrome, are contributing to the pain.
Effective Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel
At Enhance Center, we prioritize nonsurgical options for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Early treatment often involves rest, the use of wrist braces, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pressure on the median nerve. For more severe cases, we may recommend:
- Steroid Injections: Fast-acting relief for pain and inflammation.
- Pulsed Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation: A treatment option for patients with failed carpal tunnel surgery or severe nerve damage.
- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: This method can be used for conditions like CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and neuromas, helping patients who have exhausted other treatment options.
If conservative treatments don’t bring relief, and symptoms continue to impact your quality of life, we may discuss surgical options to release pressure on the nerve and restore hand function.
Prevention and Management
Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome and managing symptoms early is crucial to avoiding long-term damage. Here are some tips to help keep your wrists healthy:
- Take Regular Breaks: If you spend long hours at a desk or performing repetitive tasks, take frequent breaks to stretch and rest your wrists.
- Practice Proper Ergonomics: Ensure your workstation is set up to reduce strain on your wrists, particularly when typing or using a mouse.
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity, including wrist and hand stretches, can help keep your joints flexible and reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Call Today for a Consultation
Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re experiencing wrist pain or numbness, don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. At Enhance Center, we offer a variety of treatment options to help alleviate pain, restore functionality, and improve your quality of life.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your treatment journey, schedule an appointment with our team today. Call our Livonia office at 248-900-1555 or our Clinton Township office at 586-286-7246. Let us help you get back to doing the things you love, pain-free.