Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Asheville, NC

When there is increased pressure on the median nerve of the wrist, it can lead to swelling. In many cases, this swelling becomes severe enough to restrict movement, as well as cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm, hand, and/or fingers. This condition is known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Most people suffering from these effects notice the worst symptoms during the nighttime. However, they can also cause issues performing normal tasks, such as reading or writing, during the day.

There are many potential forms of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome that can be utilized by Dr. Christie Lehman and her staff in order to alleviate pain caused by CTS for our Asheville, NC patients. We have the ability to perform diagnostic nerve testing in our office if needed as well.  Visit Asheville Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine to discuss how one of our treatments could be beneficial to you.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is primarily caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist. The exact cause of this compression can vary, but it is often associated with repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing, using a computer mouse, or repetitive gripping actions. Over time, these activities can lead to inflammation and swelling of the tissues surrounding the median nerve, narrowing the carpal tunnel and exerting pressure on the nerve itself. Other factors that may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome include diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, arthritis, an injury, or some rare diseases. Additionally, wrist injuries, fractures, or the presence of cysts or tumors in the carpal tunnel region can also increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms. Some of the most common can include:

• Weakness when gripping objects
• Tingling in the hands
• Numbness and/or pain in the hands and wrist
• A swollen sensation within the fingers
• Difficulty sleeping due to pain

When you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit our facility for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome, it's very important to begin treatment as soon as possible. If we can diagnose and treat the issue before it worsens, we can save our patients from a lot of pain and discomfort in their everyday life. For this reason, once you notice the earliest signs of CTS, we recommend you schedule a consultation with Dr. Christie Lehman as soon as possible to get you on the fastest road to recovery. Treatment types can vary from one patient to another with some only requiring medication or corticosteroids while others may need to use a wrist splint.

As a Regenexx®-partner facility, we can also offer groundbreaking regenerative treatments in which growth factors are extracted from the patient's own body before being concentrated and injected into the affected area(s). These growth factors then stimulate the body's natural healing process, which can lead to relief.

Is it carpal tunnel syndrome or something else?

There are several health conditions that can present the same symptoms as carpal tunnel syndrome. These can include arthritis, RSI (repetitive strain injury), and thoracic outlet syndrome. During your consultation, Dr. Lehman or Dr. Crider will examine you and may recommend testing to properly diagnose the causes of your pain and discomfort.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history review, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests. Dr. Lehman will evaluate the symptoms, conduct a physical examination to check for signs of nerve compression, and may order tests like nerve conduction studies or electromyography to assess the function and health of the median nerve.

Does typing a lot put you at a higher risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome?

No, it does not. It is a common misconception that hours spent typing can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, but this link has not been corroborated with hard evidence. Studies have found that even typing up to eight hours a day did not increase the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Will I need surgery for my carpal tunnel syndrome?

No, most patients do not require surgery for their carpal tunnel syndrome. At Asheville Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we provide a variety of nonsurgical options to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, including Regenexx injectable regenerative treatments, corticosteroid injections, and wrist splints.

Our modern techniques can be used to dramatically eliminate pain and discomfort stemming from carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as numerous other conditions. They can also be performed quickly and effectively without the need for the scarring or downtime associated with surgical options.

When surgery is indicated, Dr. Lehman can refer to one of several excellent surgical colleagues.  Contact Asheville Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Christie Lehman at our facility in Asheville, NC.