Have you been unable to type at your workplace efficiently because your fingers always feel numb? You might want to get your hand examined by a specialist to find out if you have a condition called carpal tunnel. It is possible that you will need to undergo surgery before your hand will begin to feel better, but usually only if the condition is severe. In this article, you will gain more insight about carpal tunnel.

What is Carpal Tunnel?

Basically, carpal tunnel syndrome can occur when there is a pinched nerve in your wrist. The way that your hand is used can play a role in the development of this problem. For instance, being that your career involves typing, the constant use of your hands may have caused it to start pinching the nerve. However, the way that your wrist is made and certain medical conditions can cause carpal tunnel syndrome as well.

How Can a Specialist Make a Diagnosis?

The specialist will want to know what kind of symptoms you have been experiencing, as well as when you feel them the most. The nerves in your fingers will be examined.  You might also need an x-ray so the specialist can rule out other possible causes, such as arthritis. A diagnosis might be made via a nerve conductive study, which will involve two electrodes being taped to your skin to send a shock through the median nerve. The test will allow the specialist to examine the electrical impulses in that nerve.

What Kind of Treatment is Needed?

For a minor case of carpal tunnel syndrome, the specialist might inject your wrist with a corticosteroid or give you a wrist splint for relief from tingling and pain. However, you surgery will likely be necessary if you have a severe case of the syndrome that includes frequent tingling and pain. Endoscopic surgery is one of the options, which involves making an incision in your hand and sending an endoscope into the carpal tunnel to cut the ligament. Open surgery is another option and involves making an incision in your palm to cut the ligament in the carpal tunnel. The purpose of surgery is to free up the median nerve.

How Much is Surgical Treatment Estimated to Cost?

If you need to undergo surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, you should expect to pay at least $7,000 and up for each hand that requires treatment. However, it is possible for you to receive at least a sizable discount if you have health insurance coverage. Make an appointment for a specialist to examine your hand and find out if you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://www.towncenterorthopaedics.com.