According to ORA Orthopedics Hand Surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Winston, tingling fingers is a common symptom that can be caused by a number conditions. “There are many reasons for tingling, but if you experience numbness or pain in your wrist and/or arm that is affecting your daily life, it is time to see a physician to rule out potential long-term damage from carpal tunnel syndrome.”
The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) defines carpal tunnel syndrome as a “…condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.”
Dr. Winston and the AAOS report that if left undiagnosed and untreated, the nerve damage over time may be irreversible, leaving the hand severely weakened. “In most patients, carpal tunnel worsens over a period of time, so it’s important to diagnose it as soon as possible.”
Learn more about tingling, numbness, and carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in the following podcast featuring an interview with Dr. Winston and now retired, former WOC-AM 1420 radio personality, Dan Kennedy who is still behind the mic and who, himself, successfully recovered from carpal tunnel surgery.
Dr. Winston says experts are not sure what actually causes carpal tunnel syndrome, but studies have virtually ruled out the common perception it is caused by typing or other types of repetitive actions typical of office work.
“Typing has ben studied has been basically debunked. What we know is that carpal tunnel is more connected to those workers who use heavily vibrational tools, such as mechanics or construction workers using jackhammers, for example. It’s the repetitive impact of the hand we are concerned about.”
Dr. Winston says carpal tunnel surgery can often be the most effective way to treat the condition and preserve your hand. Learn more about options to successfully treat carpal tunnel syndrome at ORA’s Hand Center of Excellence.
