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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist, caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This condition can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected hand and wrist. At RAD Clinics, we specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using advanced, minimally invasive techniques like ultrasound-guided cortisone injections.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are several factors that can lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

Repetitive Hand Movements: Activities that involve repetitive motions of the wrist, such as typing or manual labour.
Wrist Injuries: Fractures, sprains, or other trauma can cause swelling and increase pressure on the median nerve.
Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism may increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Fluid Retention: Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can cause swelling in the wrist, leading to nerve compression.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically begin gradually and may worsen over time. Common symptoms include:

Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, or ring fingers.
Weakness in the hand or difficulty gripping objects.
Pain or discomfort that can extend from the wrist up into the arm or shoulder.
Difficulty performing fine motor tasks such as buttoning a shirt or holding small objects.

Anatomy of the Carpal Tunnel

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located in the wrist, made up of small carpal bones and a fibrous band of tissue known as the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve, which controls sensations to the thumb and fingers (except the little finger), passes through this tunnel. When the tunnel becomes compressed or narrowed, it puts pressure on the median nerve, leading to the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

At RAD Clinics, the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is based on a combination of your medical history, a physical examination, and specialised tests, which may include:

Tinel’s Sign: Tapping over the median nerve to see if it elicits tingling or pain.
Phalen’s Test: Holding the wrists in a flexed position to check for symptom reproduction.
Nerve Conduction Study: Testing the speed of electrical signals in the median nerve.
Ultrasound Imaging: Providing detailed visualisation of the wrist structures to confirm compression of the median nerve.

Cortisone Injections for carpal tunnel syndrome

Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections are a minimally invasive and highly effective treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome. At RAD Clinics, we offer cortisone injections using real-time ultrasound guidance, ensuring precise placement for maximum effectiveness.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections

Accurate Placement: Ultrasound guidance ensures that the cortisone is delivered exactly to the site of nerve compression.
Effective Inflammation Reduction: Cortisone injections reduce inflammation around the median nerve, relieving pressure and improving symptoms.
Rapid Symptom Relief: Most patients experience a noticeable reduction in pain, tingling, and numbness shortly after the injection.
Non-Surgical Option: For many, ultrasound-guided cortisone injections offer an effective alternative to surgery, providing relief without the downtime associated with invasive procedures.
Safe and Minimally Invasive: The procedure is quick and performed under local anaesthesia, with minimal discomfort and a low risk of complications.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Preparation: The wrist is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area.
Ultrasound Guidance: Using an ultrasound device, our specialist will visualise the carpal tunnel to ensure accurate needle placement.
Injection: The cortisone is injected directly into the carpal tunnel under ultrasound guidance.
Post-Procedure: After the injection, you may be advised to rest the hand for a short period and avoid strenuous activities for a few days. Most patients can return to their normal routine soon after the procedure.

When to Seek Treatment

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your hand or wrist, it may be time to seek treatment. Early intervention can prevent the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome and help avoid more invasive treatments like surgery. We recommend consulting a specialist at RAD Clinics if:

Symptoms are disrupting your daily activities or sleep.
You experience weakness or difficulty gripping objects.
Home remedies such as wrist splints and anti-inflammatory medications have not provided relief.

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DISCLAIMER

We do not accept insurance coverage. If you wish to reimburse your fees, then please kindly check with your insurance provider prior to booking as we cannot be held responsible for any non-payments.