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Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Pune
Get expert carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Pune with microsurgeons providing nerve decompression and strength recovery.
Overview
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. This compression happens within the carpal tunnel – a narrow passageway in your wrist made up of bones and ligaments.
The carpal tunnel is only about as wide as your thumb, but it’s responsible for protecting your median nerve and the tendons that help you bend your fingers. When this space becomes too tight, it puts pressure on the nerve, leading to the uncomfortable symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
This condition affects 1% to 5% of the general population, with people between 40 and 50 years old being most commonly affected. It’s particularly common in jobs that require repetitive hand movements or fine motor skills.
Symptoms
Carpal tunnel symptoms typically develop gradually over several weeks. The most common signs include:
- Numbness and tingling in your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers (but usually not your pinky)
- Hand pain that may extend up your arm to your shoulder or neck
- Nerve pain in hand that feels like pins and needles
- Weakness in your grip, making it difficult to hold objects
- Hand swelling and pain, though the swelling may not be visible
Many people notice their symptoms are worse at night. Carpal tunnel pain can wake you from sleep, and you might find yourself shaking your hands to try to relieve the discomfort.
The median nerve controls sensation in your thumb and first three fingers, which is why the pinky finger is typically not affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. If your right hand feels numb or similar symptoms in your left hand, it could be a sign of this condition.
Causes
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when there’s increased pressure within the carpal tunnel. Several factors can contribute to this:
Work-Related Factors
- Repetitive hand movements, especially with force
- Prolonged computer use with poor ergonomics
- Using vibrating tools
- Hand tendon pain from overuse
- High workplace stress levels
Medical Conditions
- Diabetes
- Arthritis in the wrist
- Thyroid disorders
- Pregnancy (due to hormonal changes)
- Obesity
- Previous wrist fractures
Lifestyle Factors
- Poor wrist posture during daily activities
- Inadequate rest breaks during repetitive tasks
- Smoking, which can affect blood flow to nerves
Risk and Prevention
Understanding your risk factors can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome:
High-Risk Activities:
- Office work with poor ergonomic setup
- Assembly line work
- Construction or manual labor
- Musicians who play instruments requiring repetitive hand movements
Prevention:
- Use ergonomic keyboards and mouse pads
- Take frequent breaks during repetitive tasks
- Keep your wrists in a neutral position while working
- Perform regular hand and wrist stretching exercises
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage underlying health conditions like diabetes
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis. They may use several methods:
Clinical Examination
- Areas of numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Signs of muscle wasting at the base of your thumb
Diagnostic Tests
- Nerve conduction studies – measure how quickly electrical signals travel through your median nerve
- Electromyography (EMG) – evaluates muscle and nerve electrical activity
- Ultrasound – provides images of the median nerve and surrounding structures
- X-rays – may be used to rule out other conditions like arthritis
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing permanent nerve damage.
Treatment
Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment varies depending on the severity of your condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For mild to moderate cases, several effective options are available:
Immediate Relief Measures:
- Wrist splints worn at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position
- Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
- Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
Therapeutic Approaches:
- Physical therapy with specific exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Median nerve mobilization techniques
- Occupational therapy to improve workplace ergonomics
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Weight loss if overweight
- Smoking cessation
- Regular hand and wrist exercises
- Ergonomic improvements at work and home
Surgical Treatment
Carpal tunnel surgery may be necessary for severe cases or when non-surgical treatments haven’t provided relief. The most common procedure is carpal tunnel release, which involves:
- Cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve
- Can be performed as open surgery or endoscopically
- Usually done as an outpatient procedure
- Most patients experience significant symptom improvement
Surgery is typically recommended when there’s:
- Severe nerve damage in wrist
- Constant numbness
- Muscle weakness or wasting
- Symptoms that interfere significantly with daily activities
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After treatment, especially carpal tunnel surgery, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery:
- Physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility
- Gradual return to normal activities
- Continued use of ergonomic principles
- Regular follow-up with healthcare providers
Most people experience significant improvement within the first few weeks after treatment, though complete recovery may take several months.
Living with a Shoulder Fracture
Managing carpal tunnel syndrome long-term involves:
- Regular exercise to maintain hand and wrist flexibility
- Continued attention to ergonomics
- Stress management techniques
- Weight maintenance
- Monitoring for symptom changes
Many people successfully manage their symptoms and return to their normal activities with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
When to Seek Medical Help
Don’t ignore persistent hand pain or nerve pain in hand. Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Numbness and tingling that doesn’t improve with rest
- Hand pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
- Weakness in your grip
- Symptoms that progressively worsen
- Signs of muscle wasting in your hand
Early intervention can prevent permanent nerve damage and improve your chances of full recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist
- Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and hand pain, often worse at night
- Risk factors include repetitive hand movements, poor ergonomics, and certain medical conditions
- Early diagnosis through clinical examination and nerve testing is important
- Treatment ranges from wrist splints and lifestyle changes to carpal tunnel surgery for severe cases
- Prevention focuses on ergonomic improvements and taking regular breaks from repetitive activities
- Most people can successfully manage symptoms with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand how carpal tunnel syndrome can significantly impact your daily life and work productivity. Our experienced team of orthopedic specialists, neurologists, and hand surgeons provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for all forms of nerve pain in hand and wrist conditions.
We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment including advanced nerve conduction studies and high-resolution ultrasound imaging to accurately assess your condition. Our treatment approach is personalized, ranging from conservative management with physical therapy and median nerve mobilization techniques to advanced carpal tunnel surgery when needed.
We also provide extensive rehabilitation services and ergonomic counseling to help prevent recurrence. Whether you’re dealing with carpal tunnel pain, hand swelling and pain, or any other hand and wrist conditions, our multidisciplinary team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome and return to your normal activities pain-free.
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still work on my computer if I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes, but you’ll need to make adjustments. Use an ergonomic keyboard, take breaks every 30 minutes, keep your wrists straight while typing, and consider using voice-to-text software for longer documents. Many people continue working successfully with these modifications.
How long does it take for carpal tunnel symptoms to go away with treatment?
With non-surgical treatment like splints and therapy, mild symptoms often improve within 2-6 weeks. For surgery, initial relief comes within days, but full recovery takes 2-3 months. Severe cases that have been untreated for years may have some permanent numbness.
Will my carpal tunnel syndrome come back after surgery?
Recurrence is rare, happening in less than 5% of cases. It’s more likely if you return to the same activities that caused the problem without making ergonomic changes. Following post-surgery guidelines significantly reduces this risk.
Is it normal for both hands to have carpal tunnel syndrome at the same time?
Yes, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome affects about 50% of people with the condition. Your dominant hand usually develops symptoms first and may be more severe. Both hands can be treated simultaneously or separately, depending on severity.
Can I exercise or go to the gym with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Most exercises are fine, but avoid activities that put pressure on your wrists like push-ups, weight lifting with heavy grips, or yoga poses on your hands. Swimming, walking, and lower body exercises are excellent alternatives that won’t worsen your symptoms.
