About
Causes
symptoms
diagnosis
cost
faqAbout
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
It is estimated that approximately 4-5% of people globally suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, mostly affecting those between the ages of 40 to 60. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, please contact CURA Medical Specialists.
We provide expert carpal tunnel syndrome testing in Sydney. Should you be diagnosed with this condition we will refer you to the correct surgeon for further treatment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition characterized by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist, formed by the wrist bones on the bottom and the transverse carpal ligament on top, through which the median nerve and tendons travel.
When the tissue around the tunnel swells or becomes irritated, it can compress and damage the median nerve. Carpal tunnel surgery is a common procedure to relieve pressure on the median nerve and alleviate symptoms.
Pain experienced by carpal tunnel syndrome
is due to the pressure on the meridian nerve.
Causes
Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to a combination of factors. Most often, it is caused by repetitive hand and wrist motions. This can occur from typing, using a mouse, sporting activities using the hand such as tennis, or working on an assembly line.
Other causes include:
- Trauma to the head or neck
- Wrist fractures or dislocations
- Arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Obesity
Median Nerve
Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues around the wrist, which puts pressure on the median nerve. This can occur during pregnancy because of hormonal changes that cause fluid retention.
Symptoms
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel surgery can be an effective treatment
to achieve relief and improve quality of life.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically develop slowly and worsen over time, they include:
- Numbness at night
- Pain in the fingers (especially the thumb, index and middle fingers)
- Tingling sensation, burning sensation or numbness in your hand and fingers
- Weakness in your hand
- Pain in your wrist, hand, or arm
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Difficulty making a fist
- Difficulty holding objects
- Middle fingers pain
- Dropping objects
- Inability to perform delicate motions (such as buttoning a shirt)
Because some people sleep with their wrists curled, nighttime symptoms can be worse and tend to wake people up. Therefore, nighttime symptoms are often the first reported symptoms.
As carpal tunnel syndrome worsens, symptoms become more constant. In the most severe condition, the muscles at the base of the thumb visibly shrink in size.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome
At CURA Medical Specialists we offer several tests to make accurate diagnoses which include:
- A general physical examination
- Nerve conduction test. Nerve conduction studies are used to measure the function of the median nerve
- MRI or ultrasound scan may be necessary for some instances
After reviewing your symptoms and test results, our doctors can confirm a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis. If the test confirms the condition we will refer you to the correct surgeon for further treatment.
You may be required to wear a wrist splint
post-surgery to assist in the recovery process
Pricing
Cost of a carpal tunnel syndrome test?
The consultation cost will vary depending on the service enquired, appointment duration, medicare availability and other factors. Please use this calculator to get an estimate of your cost on the day of your consultation.
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Why Choose Us
Why choose CURA Medical Specialist for
your carpal tunnel assessment?
At Cura Medical Specialists, our neurology team specialise in diagnosing and treating nerve damage and muscle disorders. We offer comprehensive and accurate carpal tunnel syndrome tests to correctly diagnose your condition.
Meet our friendly and professional team
Dr Hugh Stephen Winters
MBChB (Auckland) FRACP (Neurology)
CCINR (Neurology)
Dr Hugh Stephen Winters is a highly trained interventional neurologist, skilled at minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat stroke, idiopathic intracranial hypertension and aneurysms.
Dr Timothy Ang
MBBS, FRACP (Neurology),
Head of Committee for CCINR
Dr Timothy Ang is a highly skilled interventional neurologist who uses cutting-edge medical imaging to diagnose and treat neurovascular and neurological diseases, including stroke, intracranial hypertension, headache, migraine and aneurysms.
FAQ
FAQs
For more information on carpal tunnel, the syndrome, testing and what to expect when
having carpal tunnel surrey please read our most frequently asked questions:
The length of a carpal tunnel syndrome test can vary depending on the type of test being conducted and the severity of the condition.
Generally, a physical exam and nerve conduction study can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. If other tests, such as imaging or electromyography, are needed, the time for the test can be longer.
The success rate of carpal tunnel surgery is between 75 and 90%, with such a high success rate this surgery can be very beneficial to those suffering from CTS.
If you had surgery on your dominant hand it can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks for recovery, and you will need to avoid repetitive actions such as typing whilst recovering. If surgery was not on your dominant hand, you can return to work within 7 to 14 days.
People generally do feel some pain and weakness after surgery, but this usually clears within a few days.
The carpal tunnel is an opening in your wrist that is formed by the carpal bones on the bottom of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament across the top of the wrist.
Some measures can be taken to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Adjust your daily routine to reduce stress on your hands and wrists by minimising repetitive hand movements, alternate between activities or tasks to reduce the strain on your hands and wrists, and keep your wrists straight or in a neutral position.
There are several options to treat medical conditions such as this, which include wearing a wrist brace, physical therapy, cortisone injections, medications and in some cases surgery to decrease pressure on the median nerve.
PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription or clinical assessment. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
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