Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (cont.)
Medical Author:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
When to Seek Medical CareIf your symptoms last a long time and are not relieved with recommended home care, you should see your doctor. Carpal tunnel syndrome is rarely an emergency. Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome respond to nonsurgical treatment. The first line of treatment for mild carpal tunnel syndrome is to wear a wrist brace. This has been shown to relieve the symptoms from the carpal tunnel by placing the wrist in an optimal position (30 degrees of extension), reducing the nerve irritation. If carpal tunnel syndrome persists for a long time, permanent nerve injury is possible that will cause numbness as well as weakness and atrophy (shrinkage) of muscles in the hand. Treatment is directed at preservation of hand function. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Wrist Injury
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsCarpal Tunnel Syndrome - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe your experience with carpal tunnel syndrome . |
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome »
Carpal tunnel syndrome is defined as the impairment of motor and/or sensory function of the median nerve as it traverses through the carpal tunnel.
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