Blog

Do I have Carpal Tunnel?

by Dr. Russell Shah, MD | November 10, 2016

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by increased pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. In a nutshell, it is a pinched nerve at the wrist.

Do you:

Frequently feel tingling or numbness in the palm of your hand and fingers?
Frequently feel an itching feeling in the palm of your hand and/or fingers?
Frequently feel burning in the palm of your hand and fingers (especially middle fingers, thumb, index finger)?
Fingers feel useless and swollen, even if you can see no swelling?
Did your issues initially start at night and then over time progressed to be felt during the day?
Have a weaker grip than before?
Feel the need to shake your hands out when you wake up?
Can you feel the difference between hot and cold?
Did issues start initially on your dominant side?
Did both hands get effected at the different times?

If you have any of these symptoms you will want to come in and be evaluated. Your visit can include a physical exam, a medical history and a nerve conduction test. There are many causes of wrist pain that can be CTS related, but there are other causes and treatments. Don't ignore the pain until it becomes unbearable, many treatments are possible for less severe CTS. For more severe situations, surgery may be indicated.

A philosophy of diagnostic excellence & commitment to your best interests.

Dr. Russell J. Shah’s commitment to objectivity as a diagnostician and experienced EMG neurologist extends to all aspects of his care, including the treatments he recommends. You’ll be informed about your options, which will be based on a highly skilled interpretation of your EMG results.

Fellowship-trained in EMG testing and interpretation, Dr. Shah has a more thorough understanding of the subtleties of EMG testing and interpretation than is common. He has examined hundreds of thousands of nerves and helped thousands of people with nerve pain get an accurate diagnosis and effective, appropriate care.