What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects some 3 million people in the US every year. It involves the compression of the median nerve as it passes from through the wrist toward the hand and fingers.
Carpal tunnel is one of the most common hand conditions that many turn to surgery prematurely. Regenerative medicine therapies are available for carpal tunnel treatment without surgery.
Unfortunately, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can worsen progressively without medical attention.
Causes, Signs And Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Signs of carpal tunnel syndrome can range from mild to severe depending on the degree of inflammation and nerve compression.
Common symptoms include:- Numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb and three middle fingers
- Muscle weakness when trying to grasp or pick up objects
- Feeling of fullness or swelling in the fingers
- Pain making sleep difficult
The median nerve travels through the wrist bones underneath the transverse carpal ligament in what is termed the carpal tunnel.
When the ligament gets inflamed it can put pressure on the median nerve which can cause pain and numbness in the thumb and three middle fingers (See Figure 1).
Figure 1. Wrist anatomy involved in carpal tunnel syndrome. Note the median nerve branches that provide motor and sensory signals to the thumb and three middle fingers. The transverse carpal ligament covers the nerve traveling through the carpal tunnel (wrist bones not shown). The red circle highlights the tunnel region.
- Repeated wrist motions. Repetitive activities (typing, compute mouse use, musical instrument use, grasping motions in various sports, occupation-related wrist use, etc.) can damage ligaments and lead to more wear and tear in joints.
- Age. People between 30-60 yrs. old typically present with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Sex. Women are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Genetics. There is a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel if it runs in the family.
- Bone deformities. Abnormal bone structure increases the stress at joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Smoking.
- Previous wrist injury
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hyperthyroidism
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Obesity
Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome is performed by our Specialists using a multipronged approach.
- Medical History: Our doctors will ask you about the nature of your wrist pain (e.g., when and under what conditions you experience wrist pain). They will ask about prior surgeries, accidents, and trauma to the wrist.
- Physical Exam: The doctor will conform carpal tunnel syndrome by tapping on the median nerve using a reflex hammer. A positive test will result in tingling or pain in the fingers.
- Imaging with X-Rays or MRI: X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) may be used to other causes of wrist pain (due to arthritis, fractures, or damage to tendons and ligaments).
Treatment Options
The StemX clinic offers a range of customized Regenerative Medicine for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment solutions.
The StemX Approach
StemX is California's leading provider of holistic and regenerative medicine services. Our experts don't just offer popular treatments, but customized medical solutions based on individual needs.
Located in Solana Beach, California, the StemX clinic is composed of a team of expert doctors with years of experience administering regenerative medicine treatments for joint disease. Our team has:
How To Get Started
Treatment Procedure
While each treatment may be customized, you can expect your experience to be similar to the following:
All procedures are conducted in our Solana Beach, California clinic. 124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr #206, Solana Beach, CA 92075.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carpal tunnel wrist splints can relieve pressure on the nerve. Exercises, with ice/warmth and elevation help reduce inflammation. Regenerative medicine can also treat carpal tunnel naturally.
CTS can become very serious requiring surgery if not treated earlier by Regenerative Medicine, splints, or physical therapy.
If the wrist is rested and it is early in the syndrome, it is possible for CTS to resolve on its own.
OTC pain relievers are often used, carpal tunnel injection of steroids or regenerative medicine treatments are also treatment options. Regenerative therapies, however, have no side effects.
CTS can take 3-4 months to heal after a surgery and 1 year for strength to return. Regenerative medicine therapies work optimally within a few months as well.
With treatment carpal tunnel usually isn't very serious and should resolve.
Stage 1: numbness, pain, tingling. Stage 2: weakness, may drop objects. Stage 3: muscle atrophy due to nerve damage
Regenerative medicine treatments are long lasting, but if the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is not addressed further treatments may be necessary.