Your hands have a lot of joints that rotate while working or doing any activity. In the wrist joint, there are ligaments that hold the joint bones together and sensory nerves that communicate with the brain to keep your wrist joint working. However, when the middle nerve in the wrist joint is compressed or pressured, it causes a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. A Carpal tunnel is a narrow path that contains ligaments and bones at the palm side of your hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness, tingling, and arm weakness. Seeking treatment is very vital since arm complications can limit you from doing your daily work. For treatment and management, consult a specialist in carpal tunnel syndrome in North Austin. The below paragraph shows the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

Before your doctor takes you through any treatment procedure, you will undergo a diagnosis to certify that you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.  There are several ways of diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, which depend on the severity of your condition. However, some of the diagnosis techniques might not be applicable to you, even if you are severely affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. They include;

  • X-ray. X-ray is the most used method of diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. This technique uses x-ray beams to produce a picture of the affected area. The major disadvantage of the x-ray is that it shows the dislocated wrist joint bones but not the damaged medial nerves. However, through the picture generated, your doctor can conduct treatment without assumptions.
  • Family history. You may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome due to genetic inheritance from your closest family members. According to research, genetic issues are not treatable, but they are manageable. Your doctor will go through your health file and your family too before treatment.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging is a modern technique that uses magnetic fields and computer technology to generate a fully detailed picture of the affected area. The advantage of magnetic resonance imaging against x-ray is that it can show the affected ligaments, the middle nerve, and dislocated wrist bones. Using the image, your doctor can recommend treatment confidently.

After diagnosis, treatment can now follow. Below are treatment methods for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Ways your doctor can treat carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Medication and massage. Medication to reduce pain can be offered on the first day after diagnosis. You can also massage your wrist with warm water to keep ligaments and nerves working.
  • Minimally invasive surgery. Your doctor makes small incisions in your wrist to position the dislocated joint bones. Invasive surgery can also be used to remove damaged nerves and ligaments. The main advantage of minimally invasive surgery is not bleeding.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is prevalent in people working in industries and gyms. This disorder can persist, thus increasing discomfort and pain. For treatment and management of carpal tunnel syndrome, consult Republic Spine & Pain health care center. Click the link in the first paragraph and ask for an appointment.