Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that may cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands, fingers, and forearms. It happens when the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel, which is a small area in your wrist.
The first healthcare professional you should visit is a primary care doctor. In many cases, they can diagnose and develop a treatment plan for mild to moderate CTS.
If these treatments don’t work, they can refer you to an upper extremity and hand specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a plastic surgeon.
A primary care doctor may be able to diagnose CTS and develop a treatment plan for mild to moderate cases.
At your appointment, they’ll ask about your symptoms and lifestyle habits and perform a physical examination. This may include several tests to check for:
- symptoms, such as sensation and sensitivity
- hand function and strength
- muscle atrophy
In many cases, a primary care doctor can diagnose CTS and develop a treatment plan to help relieve symptoms. This may include:
- lifestyle measures, such as changing positions when working at a desk
- wearing a splint or brace
- taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- getting a corticosteroid injection
A primary care doctor may
If none of these treatments work, a primary care doctor will most likely refer you to an upper extremity and hand specialist for further testing and treatments.
Learn more about how CTS is diagnosed.
Two types of hand and upper extremity surgeons may help treat CTS:
- Orthopedic surgeons who specialize in the care of bones, joints, and muscles.
- Plastic surgeons who specialize in the reconstruction of body parts and are trained in hand surgery.
If lifestyle measures and other treatments don’t relieve CTS, a hand and upper extremity specialist can perform tests to examine the function, location, and degree of damage to the median nerve. This will help them determine if you need surgery.
Tests may include:
If the surgeon thinks CTS surgery is the best treatment for you, they will discuss the two most common procedures: open CTS release and endoscopic CTS release.
Early treatment of CTS can help prevent complications and more invasive treatments like surgery. If you experience symptoms of CTS, speak with a primary care doctor. They can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan or refer you to a specialist.