Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist
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Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist
Kent Weinheimer, M.D.
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon & Hand and Upper Extremity located in Amarillo, TX
If you notice weakness, numbness, or tingling in your hands and fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome might be the cause. At Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist in Amarillo, Texas, orthopedic surgeon Kent Weinheimer, MD, and his expert team diagnose and treat carpal tunnel syndrome. They relieve the condition’s pain, giving you a better quality of life. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Q & A
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on your median nerve, a primary nerve in your hand and forearm. Your carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by ligaments and bones on the palm side of your wrists. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be painful and crippling when left untreated.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Electric shocks
- Shooting discomfort
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms often begin gradually, getting worse over time. Symptoms are usually noticeable in your hand or fingers. See Dr. Weinheimer if carpal tunnel pain interferes with your sleep or daily activities.
What are the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can happen to anyone, but some things increase your risk of experiencing it. Examples include:
- Family history of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Being female
- Diabetes
- Nerve damage
- Wrist injuries
- Arthritis
- Other chronic diseases
- Some medications
- Fluid retention
- Obesity
- Prolonged or repetitive wrist flexing
You can reduce your chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome by taking short, frequent breaks when working with your hands. However, there’s no surefire way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
How does my doctor diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?
To find out if you have carpal tunnel syndrome and develop an effective treatment, Dr. Weinheimer reviews your symptoms and medical history. He examines your hand, wrist, and forearm and might order blood tests, X-rays, and nerve studies.
What are common carpal tunnel syndrome treatments?
Dr. Weinheimer is fellowship-trained in hand and upper extremity surgery. He and his team at Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist offer the following carpal tunnel syndrome treatments:
Splinting
You can wear a wrist splint to relieve numbness, tingling, and other unpleasant symptoms caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
Injections
Steroid injections can reduce swelling and inflammation, which can reduce the pressure on the median nerve.
Carpal tunnel release
Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist experts offer minimally invasive, endoscopic carpal tunnel release, a surgery that releases the pressure on the median nerve. Patients typically recover quickly from this procedure.
Don’t live with carpal tunnel syndrome pain when simple treatments can offer you relief. Call Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist to schedule an appointment or book one online today.