Is Life Slapping Your Wrist?

You may not have done anything wrong but that slapping or electrical pain that you are experiencing in the wrist may be median nerve entrapment, otherwise known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

The carpal tunnel is essentially a small tunnel where nerves, ligaments, and vessels pass through to the hand and fingers. Sometimes this area becomes quite congested and the median nerve can become compressed.

The median nerve gives sensation to the thumb, 2nd, 3rd, and fourth fingers, on the palm side of the hand but not the pinky finger. Several things can predispose you to this condition including the type of work that you do, anatomically small wrists, arthritic conditions, and other medical conditions such as diabetes that can increase your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Several things can be implemented to minimize your risk including changing to a more ergonomic workstation. You should avoid extremes when it comes to the range of motion in the wrist and take frequent breaks. If the wrist is in one position for extended periods of time it can aggravate the nerve. For this reason, your provider may encourage you to wear a carpal tunnel brace to prevent compression and irritation of the nerve especially while you sleep. Injections can be implemented to treat pain and ultimately surgery may be needed if symptoms become severe.

We can’t protect your wrist if it’s caught in the cookie jar but bring that wrist in and we promise not to slap it as you are evaluated at Advanced Spine and Pain. We may just be able to help treat your carpal tunnel syndrome.