, Carpal TunnelWhile it can be easy for people to say “My wrist hurts, it’s no big deal,” there are conditions that require specialized treatment. Without professional treatment, even minor wrist injuries can cause significant damage and pain. Seeking professional treatment at Apex Center For Regenerative Medicine is an effective method for long-lasting relief.
What starts out as a minor ache can turn into a serious health condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can result from a compressed nerve in the narrow passageway on the underside of the wrist. If left untreated, even simple actions of using a computer or eating food can cause pain to the patient’s wrist. Fortunately, we can offer treatment to relieve the pain, tingling, and numbness that is causing problems in the first place.

SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Whether you are an athlete or skilled professional, carpal tunnel syndrome can be a serious threat to one’s career. If one notices the symptoms and seeks treatment early on, then we can help to prevent a huge negative impact on his or her livelihood. The first and most common symptom that people will experience with carpal tunnel syndrome is a gradual tingling and numbness that occurs in:

  • The thumb
  • Index finger
  • Middle fingers
  • Palm
  • Wrist

The tingling and numbness may only start around the thumb and be minor enough that the individual does not think twice. Once the pain continues to worsen, the individual will have trouble holding a phone, steering wheel or tablet as a sensation similar to an electric shock moves through the fingers. In some cases, the sensation will move up the arm toward the shoulder and can keep people up at night.

CAUSES OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Since numerous sports and athletics require the use of hands and arms, carpal tunnel syndrome can be incredibly dangerous to one’s athletic career. Even if the pain is not serious, it can interfere with throwing a football or dribbling a basketball. While injuries can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, there are other causes that do not relate to a specific incident and instead, relate to a physical condition or behavior.

Many people contract carpal tunnel from everyday tasks and not just athletic injuries. Without proper treatment, the patient will only place more strain on the injury and increase the damage. Do not hesitate to call us and schedule an appointment.

In some cases, patients with diabetes can experience an increased risk of nerve damage, additionally, obesity, fluid retention, menopause, thyroid disorder or kidney failure can all play a part in causing carpal tunnel syndrome. Workplace environments can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome when the job requires flexing the wrist to operate machinery or simply type at a computer.

WE CAN OFFER TREATMENT AND GET YOUR LIFE ON TRACK

While there are various levels of treatment, the earlier we begin treatment, the better the chance of a complete recovery. Treatment will involve professional care at our practice and a few techniques the patient can use at home. We may provide a wrist splint that will help keep the wrist in place while the patient sleeps. Far too often, patients do not realize how easy it is to sleep in a position that hurts the wrist.

We may also recommend the patient begin taking certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (also known as NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) or others. If more conservative treatment fails we may recommend a cortisone injection into the carpal tunnel to help relieve pain and inflammation. At Apex Center For Regenerative Medicine, we perform this injection using ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement of the medicine and helps avoid placing the needle in the nerve, which can be extremely painful. During the process, the patient can help progress the treatment and prevent further damage. The patient can help in the treatment process and prevent further damage by:

  • Avoid any activities that worsen symptoms
  • Rest the hands and wrists with regular breaks
  • Applying cold packs to reduce swelling
  • Follow treatment from our team of professionals

MEET THE DOCTOR

Dr. Savarino, Carpal Tunnel, an established and highly skilled physician, has over 10 years of experience in Sports in Sports Medicine. He obtained his medical degree at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed a Family Practice Residency at North Shore – LIJ Hospital at Plainview, where he served as Chief Resident in 2007-2008.

At the completion of his residency, Dr. Savarino covered the orthopedic, trauma, pediatric, sports and total joint clinic at Nassau University Medical Center, an active Level 1 Trauma Center in Long Island, NY. Dr. Savarino completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at North Shore -LIJ Plainview, at which time he worked with 2 NCAA colleges and several local high schools, covering multiple sports from the sidelines and treating injured patients in the training room. He also covered major events including the NYC Marathon, NYC Triathalon, Long Island Marathon and Golden Gloves Boxing