Carpal Tunnel & Nerve Disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Nerve Disorders
Numbness and tingling in the hands is common — and it does not all come from the wrist. Testing identifies which nerve is affected, where the problem is, and how severe it has become.
What carpal tunnel syndrome is
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. Because that nerve supplies sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, symptoms follow a characteristic pattern.
- Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Symptoms that wake you at night
- Relief from shaking or flicking the hand
- Symptoms while driving, holding a phone, or typing
- Aching in the wrist or forearm
- Dropping objects or difficulty with buttons and jar lids
- Thinning of the muscle at the base of the thumb in advanced cases
Conditions that can look similar
Cervical radiculopathy
Ulnar neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy
Other nerve entrapments
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, commonly causing burning pain, numbness, tingling, or imbalance that begins in the feet. Evaluation includes looking for contributing causes such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, medications, alcohol use, and inflammatory conditions.
EMG and nerve conduction studies
Nerve conduction studies measure how well electrical signals travel along a nerve, and EMG evaluates the muscles those nerves supply. Together they confirm whether a nerve is compressed, identify the location, and grade severity — information that guides whether conservative treatment or a surgical opinion is appropriate.
- Confirms the diagnosis rather than relying on symptoms alone
- Distinguishes wrist compression from a neck or elbow problem
- Grades severity, which affects treatment decisions
- Provides an objective baseline for follow-up
- Documents nerve injury after an accident or work injury
Treatment
Mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome often responds to conservative measures such as wrist splinting — particularly at night — activity and ergonomic modification, and treatment of contributing medical conditions. Persistent symptoms, significant weakness, or severe findings on testing prompt referral for a surgical opinion.
Do not wait on progressive weakness
Work-related nerve symptoms
Repetitive hand use, vibration exposure, and forceful gripping are frequently raised in work-related claims. These evaluations require objective testing and clear documentation.
Work-related injury evaluation →Request a Neurology Appointment
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "Nerve," or call 815-337-7100 to schedule. Our office will follow up to confirm your evaluation.
In-person visits and televisits (telehealth) are both available.
What happens after you text
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and a keyword. Our office calls you back to schedule — you do not need to fill out a form.
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