Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Lake Forest, CA
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves more than wrist discomfort. It often reflects changes in how nerves, joints, and muscles function together. Patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel worry that treatment will be uncomfortable or that surgery is the only solution. In many cases, conservative care can help address symptoms early and support nerve health.
Dr. Ron Merriel, DC, and Dr. Greg McDonald, DC, have treated many patients in Lake Forest with carpal tunnel syndrome caused by nerve compression, wrist strain, and movement dysfunction. At Go Greenlight Chiropractic, care focuses on identifying what is compressing the median nerve and supporting healthy movement of the wrist, arm, neck, and upper body.
If you have concerns about your symptoms, a careful evaluation can clarify what options may be appropriate for your condition.
Risk Factors Of CTS
CTS can be caused by prolonged wrist flexion and/or repetitive wrist motions like supermarket scanning, keyboard use, carpentry or assembly line work. Exposure to vibration or cold is also known to aggravate the condition or worsen it.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is more common in your dominant hand but can also frequently affect both hands. Some risk factors for developing CTS include diabetes, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, alcoholism, kidney disease, being short or overweight. Fluid retention during pregnancy is also common cause of carpal tunnel symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of CTS?
Symptoms of CTS include numbness, tingling or discomfort on the palm side of your thumb, index, middle finger and half of your ring finger. The pain and discomfort you feel can also sometimes extend towards your elbow. The symptoms you experience usually start as nighttime discomfort or waking up with numb hands, but can rapidly progress to a constant annoyance.
Your symptoms are likely aggravated by gripping activities such as holding a book while reading, driving or painting. Early on, your symptoms may be reduced by simply “shaking your hands out”. You may sometimes feel as though your hands are tight or swollen. In more severe cases, hand weakness can form.
What Are The Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are eight bones found in your wrist that form a U-shaped channel that houses several tendons and your median nerve. This channel is known as the carpal tunnel. Your median nerve is responsible for your feeling and your sensation on the palm side of your first 3 ½ fingers.
Compression or irritation of this nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel is responsible for the creation of a condition known as CTS.
CTS is currently the most common nerve entrapment, affecting 3-5% of the general population. Females are affected roughly two or three times more often than males. Carpal tunnel syndrome most often is found in adults age 45-60.
How To Treat CTS
Compression of the median nerve that is found in the carpal tunnel is often accompanied by compression at a second or third site as well. Researchers call this “double crush syndrome.”
Commonly “double crush” partners for CTS also involve the spine or muscles in and around your neck, shoulder and forearm.
To help resolve your condition, you should do your best to avoid activities that involve repetitive wrist flexion, i.e. pushups.
While grasping the handlebars on your bicycle will likely increase irritation of your condition.
We may prescribe a special splint that keeps your wrist in a neutral or slightly extended position that will help with your nighttime symptoms.
Recovering From CTS
If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause your forearm to sustain permanent nerve damage. The American Academy of Neurology recommends conservative treatment, like the type provided in our office, before going down the surgical route.
Patient Testimonials & Reviews
Andy Santos
After over a year of doctor visits and physical therapy, I hit a plateau and was still in a lot of daily pain. Dr. McDonald’s treatment plan, combined with Natalie’s effective massage therapy...
Read on Google
Bryn DenHeyer
I originally came here to have my infant daughter treated by Dr. Waters for torticollis. He was a miracle worker! I started having pain and asked if he worked on adults- he did! I saw him a few times...
Read on Google
Divya Kapoor
Best massage place ever!! Melina's neck and back massages are lifesavers, especially after long hours hunched over a computer. She really knows how to target those tight spots to ease tension...
Read on Google
Nancy Clinkerbeard
Greenlight Chiropractic is fantastic. From the moment you walk in and they know you by name, Jeremy is an awesome manager, facilitator of your visit and needs. Next get time for Natalie to work on you...
Read on Google
Sabina Uskenova
I really liked it there!! It’s very calm and nice atmosphere that you can trust. Dr, Waters was very patient and explained everything. He didn’t try to sell me a thousand adjustments as you...
Read on Google
Sylvia Mireles
Hi!!! I just had my last adjustment with Dr. Waters. He has been a gem, his expertise- his sincerity and super genuineness, has been a bright star as part of my overall healing and amazing experience on this...
Read on GoogleBook An Appointment
Scheduling your visit with Greenlight Chiropractic & Wellness Lab is simple. You can call our office directly or visit our Contact Us page to connect with the location nearest you and request an appointment.
Our team can help answer questions, guide you through the scheduling process, and help you find a visit time that works best for your schedule.
