Sensory symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include discomfort and pain in the wrist. The name Carpal Tunnel is derived from the small bones in the wrist called carpal bones. The carpal tunnel helps to bend the digits and protects the nerve and flexor tendons in the hand.

What are the causes and symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome have contributing factors that include frequent and repetitive small movements with the hands; hormonal changes; blood sugar issues; constant grasping and clinching on-the-job requirements; and a family history of sensory issues including neck, back and knee pain.

Symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome may include:

• Numbness and pain in arm or hand

• The feeling that your hand or arm is “going to sleep”

• Swelling in the digits or wrist

• Episodes where the pain peaks at certain times of the day

Sensory related disorders similar to carpal tunnel syndrome include patient issues pertaining to neck and back pain. Dr. Cherry Ostrager has experience treating patients using medical innovations that rely less on surgery and more on total healing using therapy.

When treating carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Ostrager will take into account a patient’s age, overall health, medical history and the level of pain being experienced by the patient. Some options recommended by Dr. Ostrager may include putting a splint on the effected hand to help keep the wrist and arm moving in ways that are causing the issues. Of course, anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil can help reduce the swelling and provide pain relief. However, the best approach to long-term success for managing carpal tunnel syndrome is to make lifestyle changes to avoid aggravating the nerves.

Worksite changes such as repositioning a keyboard or utilizing wrist pads while typing can be simple solutions to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Exercise also helps to mitigate problems, specifically utilizing stretching and strengthening programs. Dr. Ostrager specializes in training patients in these exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome. In rare cases, she may also refer patients to a specialists who may consider surgical options.

Where to get help for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dr. Ostrager and Midtown East Family Medicine PLLC are well known as a leading medical midtown practice for screening and treating carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and root causes. While Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures performed, non-invasive solutions are often a better path forward. New technology provides a path forward for those suffering from this painful disorder, including the use of EMG/NCS, also known as electromyogram and nerve conduction tests for nerves and for muscles. The purpose of this test is to find the cause of pain.

Dr. Ostrager is a member of the American Association of Sensory Electrodiagnostic Medicine. This designation demonstrates her certification for providing small pain fiber NCS electrodiagnosis.

AASEM is the only medical organization certifying providers in small pain fiber NCS electrodiagnosis. To qualify for this certification, Dr. Ostrager utilizes pf-NCS in her practice.

Dr. Cherry Ostrager specializes in consulting patients who need to find immediate and complete relief from all nerve pain – and not only carpal tunnel syndrome.