What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and how can it be treated?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common causes of pain. There are a number of activities that may aggravate CTS. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel.
Symptoms may vary and include mild numbness and tingling on the palmar surface of a finger, or a more severe pain that radiates upward towards the shoulder. If untreated, symptoms become worse – affecting wrist, hand, or finger movement, as well as reducing grip strength and disrupting sleep.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is most often treated with non-invasive methods if diagnosed early. These methods include a period of rest from repetitive activity, and the use of anti-inflammatory medication to ease pain and reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release is performed.

Dr. David Hildreth

Orthopedic Surgeon

(Hand, Wrist & Elbow)

ACL Injuries in Young Athletes “Q & A”

My daughter plays soccer and I’ve heard that girls have a high risk for knee injuries. What is your advice and is it ok for her to play?

Many parents of young female athletes have who play soccer have this concern. A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a serious knee injury that is season-ending that generally requires surgery to reconstruct a stable knee. These injuries can lead to an inability to perform athletically, in addition to initiating degenerative changes at the joint level. Current orthopedic literature has found that female athletes are between 2 and 8 times more likely to sustain a noncontact ACL injury than male counterparts. Several of these risk factors have been identified, and there are certain measures in training that can be undertaken to lessen the risk of this complicated injury. It is best if your child’s soccer team implements an ACL Prevention Program which is about 5 minutes and should be a part of their warm-up before practices and games.

Dr. Matthew Mays

Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine

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