Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Jonathan Oheb, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon & Hand Surgeon located in Beverly Hills, CA & Encino, CA

You may be tempted to ignore the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome at first, because they’re mild and often come and go. It’s important to get early treatment, however, to stop it from causing permanent nerve damage. Dr. Jonathan Oheb is the expert you need for an accurate diagnosis and treatment that relieves your pain and protects your nerve. To schedule an appointment, call one of his offices in Beverly Hills, Encino, and Mission Hills, California, or book an appointment online.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Q & A

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

carpal tunnel syndrome photo

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when your median nerve is pinched. The median nerve goes down your arm, through your wrist, and into your hand.

The nerve travels through your wrist in a narrow space called the carpal tunnel. When it’s pinched on its way through that space, your condition is called carpal tunnel syndrome.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

The space inside the carpal tunnel can narrow and compress the nerve due to several problems:

Repetitive hand use

A group of tendons also pass through the carpal tunnel. When you frequently perform the same hand movement, the tendons become inflamed and swollen, which pushes against the nerve.

Hand and wrist position

Activities that involve bending your wrist increase pressure on the nerve. When you repeatedly perform these activities, the ongoing stress on the nerve causes carpal tunnel.

Wrist injuries

Wrist injuries may lead to inflammation and swelling in the carpal tunnel.

Medical causes

Health conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and hormone changes may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

These symptoms typically develop gradually:

Pain, primarily in your fingers but also traveling up your arm
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
Weakness in your hand

What is cubital tunnel syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when your ulnar nerve is compressed. The ulnar nerve travels down your arm, often becoming pinched in the very narrow passageway used to get past your elbow, the cubital tunnel.

You may develop cubital tunnel syndrome by leaning on your elbow or keeping it bent for a long time. Repeated bending or a direct blow to your elbow can also cause a pinched nerve.

What are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?

The most common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome are numbness and tingling in your hand, especially when your elbow is bent. As the condition worsens, your grip may weaken and you may have a hard time coordinating finger movement.

How are carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome treated?

Dr. Oheb has extensive experience treating both nerve conditions, often using conservative methods to relieve the compression.

For carpal tunnel, you may need to learn new ways to use your hand or wear a wrist splint to hold your wrist in a straight position. If you have cubital tunnel syndrome, your treatment may include modifying your activities as well as bracing. In severe cases, Dr. Oheb may recommend surgery.

Patients drive from all around Los Angeles County just to see Dr. Oheb. Patients travel from areas such as West Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, Reseda, Lake Balboa, Woodland Hills, Hidden Hills, Chatsworth, North Hills, Panorama City, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Mission Hills, San Fernando, Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, Sylmar, Santa Clarita, Burbank, and Glendale just to see him.

To get expert treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, call Dr. Oheb or book an appointment online.

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