Are you suffering from the pain, tingling, and poor dexterity characteristic of carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS? Loredo Hand Care Institute in Grapevine, TX, can help you with education, common sense treatments, and endoscopic surgery if needed. Your hand surgeon, Dr. Pedro Loredo, wants you to know you can manage your symptoms.
 

What is carpal tunnel?

The carpal tunnel is a very narrow canal in the palm side of the wrist bone. It contains the median nerve, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Because of its strategic location, the carpal tunnel is prone to injury--both acute and repetitive.
 

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

CTS develops in millions of Americans who are middle-aged or older. It exhibits well-defined and easily recognized symptoms, such as:

• Numbness in the thumb, second and third fingers
• Pain which can radiate up the arm and into the shoulder
• Tingling
• Weakness and lack of dexterity in the affected hand
• Shrinkage of the musculature associated with the thumb

Why do I have this chronic condition?

Many factors contribute to CTS, including:

• Acute injury to the wrist, such as a sprain or fracture
• Repetitive motions and strenuous impacts involving the hand and wrist (keyboarding and hammering as examples)
• Heredity (small bone structure)
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Hormones during pregnancy and menopause

Can it be treated and how?

Carpal tunnel syndrome responds well to many conservative treatments such as:

• Rest
• Splinting to keep the wrist straight
• Ice to reduce swelling
• Over the counter ibuprofen for pain and inflammation
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Stretching exercises and other physical therapies

If these do not significantly reduce symptoms and improve hand function, you may need surgery. Dr. Loredo is the Grapevine-area hand surgeon who is an expert in endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery.
 

Through a small incision, Dr. Loredo introduces a thin, lighted tube. He uses this scope to create a tiny notch in the transverse carpal ligament, thus relieving the pressure on the median nerve.
 

Will I feel better?

Yes, you can feel better. Dr. Loredo will review your medical history and examine your hands and wrists with digital imaging, nerve function tests, and other non-invasive diagnostics.
 

With a confirmed diagnosis, he will recommend a care plan individualized to your level of pain and dysfunction. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders (NIAMS) says most CTS patients experience no return of symptoms after surgery. Some may have mild numbness and/or tingling.
 

Find out more

At Loredo Hand Care Institute, Dr. Pedro Loredo and his team provide state of the art diagnostics and treatments in a caring environment which centers on you and your hands.

To arrange a consultation with our wonderful hand surgeon, call our office in Grapevine, TX at (972) 939-4974.