Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel services offered in Wasilla, AK

Carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome are common problems that affect your hand and wrist. These conditions can weaken your hand and make it difficult to perform simple tasks, like holding a cup or pencil. At Pioneer Peak Orthopedics in Wasilla, Alaska, the experienced orthopedic team can help decompress the nerve that’s causing your condition and help you regain full mobility of your arm. To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome treatment, call the office or drop by the practice’s orthopedic walk-in clinic today.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when there’s too much pressure on the median nerve, a major nerve to your hand, that passes into your wrist through a small opening known as the carpal tunnel. When this nerve is compressed, it causes pain, numbness, and tingling in your hand and arm.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a similar condition that involves pressure on your ulnar nerve, commonly referred to as the funny bone. A pinched ulnar nerve can result in numbness or tingling in your ring and small fingers, as well as pain and weakness in your hand.

What causes carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome?

Both these conditions are because of pressure on major nerves. Anything that squeezes or irritates your median or ulnar nerve can lead to carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome.

Injury

A sprain or fracture to your wrist or elbow can alter the space of your carpal and cubital tunnels and put pressure on these nerves.

Inflammatory conditions

Certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis that cause inflammation and deformities can contribute to both these conditions.

Nerve damage

Chronic conditions like diabetes that increase your risk of nerve damage can affect your median or ulnar nerve.

Work or recreational activities

Repetitive and prolonged movements, or working with vibrating tools may result in added stress to your median and ulnar nerves and increase your chances of developing carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome.

Other medical conditions like thyroid disorders, obesity, and hormonal fluctuations may also increase your chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is the treatment for carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome?

Your treatment depends on the cause of your condition. If your pain is mild, your Pioneer Peak Orthopedics provider can refer you to an on-site physical therapist.

This licensed therapist works with you at the practice’s state-of-the-art gym to teach you exercises to reduce pressure on your median and ulnar nerves.

For severe pain from injury or chronic conditions, your specialist may inject your carpal or cubital tunnel with medicine to relieve inflammation and pain. The practice uses ultrasound-guided injections to pinpoint the exact location where medicine needs to be administered.

If your condition doesn’t respond to more conservative treatments, the team of orthopedic surgeons at Pioneer Peak Orthopedics can perform various procedures to decompress your nerve and relieve pain.

To learn more about the various treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome, call Pioneer Peak Orthopedics to request a consultation today.