Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition resulting from the compression of the median nerve at the base of the hand. This compression is caused by the swelling of inflamed tendons usually due to repetitive motion. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in the fingers, and often, cramping in the hand that radiates up the forearm.

The first step in diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to obtain EMG and nerve conduction studies. Our staff can schedule EMG studies to be performed at our office for you. Dr. Cummins can review the results with you immediately following the test. If the compression is mild, conservative treatment involving splinting, anti-inflammatory medication, and job modification can be effective. If the compression is severe, surgery may be indicated. The surgical decompression of the carpal tunnel is performed on an outpatient basis and takes less than one hour. A post operative splint is generally worn for the first week after surgery. The stitches are removed at the end of the second week. A significant improvement is seen in over eighty percent of patients.