Paul Ellis III, M.D., Lankford Hand Surgery AssociationBest Doctors: Hand Surgery 2009,2010View Directory Link
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is a condition in the hand caused by compression or pinch of the median nerve. This compression can make sufferers experience numbness, tingling, or even pain. CTS is a very common problem. CTS can often be successfully treated non-operatively, however, surgery is necessary in some cases.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Numbness is a primary symptom, particularly numbness or tingling in the thumb, index finger, long finger, and ring finger. Patients may also notice weakness in their grip and, over time, the muscles of the thumb may become smaller (atrophy). Sometimes, constant numbness can feel painful. A persistent ache may spread to the shoulder, neck, or both.
What are the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?
CTS is often treated successfully without surgery. The first line of treatment, the most conservative, is wearing a wrist splint (usually during sleep), taking anti-inflammatory medication, and avoiding repetitive tasks. If the symptoms are not controlled by the above treatments, a steroid injection is the next step.
If the symptoms do not respond to non-operative treatment, surgery may be required. The surgery is a 30-minute procedure done in an out-patient setting. With surgery, approximately 90% of patients get relief from their symptoms.
"Approximately 90% of patients get relief from their symptoms with surgery."
Dr. Paul Ellis is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and holds the Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand. He has been voted a Best Doctor in Dallas by his peers in D Magazine for multiple years. To learn more about Dr. Ellis or contact his practice, Lankford Hand Surgery Association, visit dallashandsurgery.com or lankfordhandsurgery.com.
