Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Treatment Options
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common hand and wrist conditions, affecting millions of Americans each year. At South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, our Hand Center of Excellence provides advanced diagnostics and treatment options to help patients throughout the Treasure Coast regain comfort and function, often without invasive surgery.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, running from the forearm into the palm, becomes compressed at the wrist. This compression happens within the carpal tunnel; a narrow passageway of ligaments and bones located at the base of the hand.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Risk Factors
CTS can develop for several reasons, including:
- Repetitive hand and wrist use: Frequent, repetitive motions (e.g., typing, assembly work, use of power tools) can irritate the tendons and cause swelling.
- Wrist anatomy: Some people naturally have smaller carpal tunnels, which increases their risk.
- Inflammatory conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory disorders may contribute to pressure on the median nerve.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and menopause can sometimes trigger or worsen symptoms due to fluid retention.
- Underlying health conditions: Diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and obesity are linked to higher CTS risk.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The hallmark signs of CTS often start gradually and can worsen over time:
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
- Hand weakness and a tendency to drop objects
- Pain or tingling that may radiate up the arm
- Nighttime symptoms that disturb sleep
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing permanent nerve damage.
Expert Care at the Hand Center of Excellence
South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is proud to offer a dedicated Hand Center of Excellence, staffed by a team of board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic hand surgeons:
- Alan R. Blackburn II, MD – Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon and Fellowship-Trained Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist
- Check C. Kam, MD – Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon and Hand Surgery Specialist
- Nikola Lekic, MD – Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon and Fellowship-Trained Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist
Dr. Lekic explains, “We see many patients who think they may have arthritis or general wrist pain, but after proper evaluation, we find it’s carpal tunnel syndrome. Getting the right diagnosis is crucial to achieving relief.”
Modern Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Our hand specialists use the latest techniques and technologies to offer personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s condition and lifestyle needs.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Wrist splinting, especially at night
- Activity modification and ergonomic adjustments
- Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections
Minimally Invasive and Surgical Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) is a procedure that relieves pressure on the median nerve in the wrist—helping to resolve the numbness, tingling, and pain caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. At South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we offer minimally invasive CTR techniques, often a quick, in-office procedure for qualified patients, as well a traditional surgical CTR methods for more complicated cases. The advantage of minimally invasive carpal tunnel release is less discomfort, minimal downtime, and a faster return to normal activities without the need for a hospital visit. “With minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery most patients can return to work the next day or within 5 days for heavy laborers,” says Dr. Lekic.
One highly effective approach is WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet). This technique allows the procedure to be performed without general anesthesia or a tourniquet, reducing the risks typically associated with sedation. Patients remain comfortably awake throughout the surgery. The procedure involves a small incision—typically less than one inch—and is usually completed in just a few minutes. WALANT has been widely tolerated by thousands of patients across the Treasure Coast since 2013, offering excellent outcomes with minimal downtime and no need for preoperative clearance or recovery from anesthesia. This represents a tremendous cost and time savings to the patient.
“I’ve been offering WALANT open and mini-open carpal tunnel releases, endoscopic carpal tunnel releases, and minimally invasive ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel releases for nearly a decade on the Treasure Coast, and each of these options can provide a differing set of benefits that are appealing to different types of patients. Having options available, and being able to explain the varying advantages and disadvantages of each, is one of my favorite parts of being a surgical hand subspecialist. With lesser invasive techniques, a patient can expect minimal trauma to the surrounding soft tissues, minimal scarring, less pain, and a faster recovery,” says Dr. Blackburn. “For many patients, it’s a game-changer.”
Personalized Care in South Florida
Whether you’re just beginning to experience wrist discomfort or you’ve been living with chronic numbness, the team at South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is here to help. We have offices in East Port St. Lucie, Tradition, Stuart, and Hobe Sound.
“Our approach is all about tailored care,” says Dr. Kam. “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our goal is to restore hand function with the least disruption to our patients’ lives.”
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re experiencing symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, don’t wait to get the care you need. Our Hand Center of Excellence is equipped with advanced diagnostics and innovative solutions.