The Latest Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

We use our hands for practically everything we do throughout the day – from turning off the alarm before we are even out of bed to turning off the lights at night before our head hits the pillow. But imagine living with chronic pain in your hands or wrists. Millions of people in the U.S. have chronic hand and wrist pain but effective treatment is available.

The most common condition affecting the hand and wrist is nerve compression such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome and how is it treated?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder that can impact hand strength and sensation causing reduced function. It occurs from compression of the median nerve in the lower arm as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a narrow opening between the bones in the wrist and the ligament that holds them together. The median nerve, which helps the thumb move, also provides feeling to the thumb and first three fingers. Tendons run from the lower arm through the carpal tunnel and into the hand. If the tendons become swollen inside the carpal tunnel, they can press on the median nerve which can cause swollen fingers, burning or tingling, pain or numbness as well as weakness in the thumb and fingers.

“Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive condition that can worsen without proper treatment,” said Kaylin Strauser-Curtis, DO, CAQSM, a board-certified physician specializing in interventional orthopedics and sports medicine at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. “Women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men,” she added.

Treatments range from over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen and cortisone injections to carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery. CTR surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve by dividing the carpal ligament to create more space for the nerve and tendons. One of the most advanced treatments is Micro-invasive CTR surgery with the SX-One MicroKnife.

“When performing carpal tunnel release using ultrasound guidance and the MicroKnife, the surgeon is able to perform the surgery through a very small, less disruptive incision while the ultrasound provides improved visualization of all critical anatomy in the wrist. This allows us to complete the procedure in a matter of minutes,” said Dr. Strauser-Curtis.

There are many benefits of CTR with the MicroKnife:

• It can be performed in a procedure room or office setting rather than an operating room.
• Local anesthetic can be used.
• Stitches are not necessary due to the small incision size.
• It offers a more rapid recovery.
• Restorative physical therapy is typically not required.
• Opioids are not necessary for pain relief.

People experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome or trigger finger who have tried at-home treatments with little success may want to consult with a physician. Penn Highlands Healthcare offers expert care in interventional orthopedics and sports medicine including those who specialize in ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release surgery using the MicroKnife. To learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/carpal.