Sergio Maggi, M.D. Austin Plastic Surgery Center 345.3223 www.drmaggi.com

Q: What are some signs you might have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

A: Dr. Maggi: Tingling in the thumb, index or middle finger are signs, as well as pain in the wrist. A lot of patients wake up at night with pain in these areas because there is a lack of movement during sleep. Joints swell in the night and as a result there is increased compression on the nerves.

Susan Adler, M.D. Surgery of the Hand 458.4224

Q: Are there any diseases or conditions that predispose carpal tunnel?

A: Dr. Adler: The vast majority of carpal tunnel syndrome cases are idiopathic. Predisposing causes can be pregnancy, thyroid dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, severe wrist arthritis, acute trauma about the wrist (fractures), diabetes, kidney failure, pituitary tumor, anatomical variations (muscles in an abnormal position), various infections, tumors in the carpal canal or within the median nerve.

Rita Schindeler-Trachta, M.D. Austin Family Medical Clinic 326.5210

Q: What kinds of treatments exist for carpal tunnel syndrome?

A: Dr. Adler: If symptoms are mild, night splinting of the wrist and occasional anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) work well. Cortisone injection of the carpal canal also relieves the symptoms, but only temporarily. The symptoms almost always recur within a few weeks or months. The only effective and permanent cure therefore, is surgical release of the carpal tunnel by dividing the transverse carpal ligament. Unfortunately, there is no physical therapy that cures carpal tunnel syndrome, but there are some modalities that will give temporary relief of symptoms.

Dr. Schindeler-Trachta: Treatments for carpal tunnel include anti-inflammatory medication, either over-the-counter or prescription, the use of wrist splints, osteopathic manipulative treatment or surgery. Some studies even suggest ergonomic keyboards work.