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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome services offered in the greater Pasadena, CA area

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects 1%-5% of adults at any given time, making simple tasks like holding hand tools or typing nearly impossible. At Health Advantage Physical Medicine in Pasadena, California, the team offers various minimally invasive treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, including functional medicine, acupuncture, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Call Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to schedule a carpal tunnel syndrome consultation, or book your appointment online. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Q & A

My hands and wrists feel numb. Could it be carpal tunnel syndrome?

It’s likely. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful overuse injury that occurs when the median nerve –– a nerve that runs from your forearm into your hand –– gets compressed by the bones and ligaments in your palm. The excess pressure causes tingling, numbness, and pain, making it hard to pick things up and use your hands.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:

  • Pain that extends into the forearm and shoulder
  • Numbness, tingling, and burning in the hands, fingers, and wrists
  • Shock-like sensations that radiate into the thumbs
  • Weakness

As carpal tunnel syndrome worsens, you might have difficulty using your hands to type, write, or hold hand-tools. 

When should I see a physical medicine specialist about carpal tunnel?

Make an appointment at Health Advantage Physical Medicine if you develop carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms that interfere with your work or sleep. That’s particularly true if the pain worsens during physical activities. 

How does a physical medicine specialist diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?

Your chiropractor reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it’s worse during certain activities, like holding a phone or gripping the steering wheel.

Next, they examines your hands, fingers, and wrists, assessing the feeling in your fingers and the strength of the muscles in your hands. Practitioners may bend your wrists, checking their range of motion, and gently tap on your median nerve to see how it reacts. 

Often, these tests are enough to make a diagnosis, but your chiropractor might order X-rays if they suspects your symptoms are due to arthritis.

How does a physical medicine specialist treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Team members at Health Advantage Physical Medicine treat carpal tunnel syndrome using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. They might suggest:

  • Taking frequent breaks to rest your hands
  • Avoiding activities that make your symptoms worse
  • Applying ice packs to your wrist to prevent swelling
  • Wearing a wrist brace or splint
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medication
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Acupuncture
  • Stretches and strengthening exercises

It might take a combination of several treatments to achieve lasting relief. Follow all post-treatment care instructions, and attend each follow-up appointment so your practitioner can monitor your progress. 

Call Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to schedule treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, or book your appointment online.