So, you’ve been typing away like a keyboard warrior, only to find that your hands are now staging a rebellion. Welcome to the not-so-fun world of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Dr. Phinit Phisitkul, who’s seen more wrists than a watchmaker, explains that CTS occurs when your median nerve, which runs through the wrist, decides it’s had enough and starts complaining. The result? Numbness, tingling, and pain that make you question every email you’ve ever sent.
Is It Just Numbness, Or Is My Hand Plotting Against Me?
Wondering if your hand is just tired or if something more sinister is going on? Dr. Phisitkul clarifies that the classic symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include delightful numbness and tingling in your thumb, index, and middle fingers—especially after a marathon Netflix binge or a long day of typing.
If you’re waking up with a hand that feels like it’s been asleep for hours, or if you’re dropping things like they’re hot (literally), it might be time to get it checked out. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and possibly a nerve conduction study, where they test just how lazy that median nerve has become.
How Do I Get My Hands Back To Normal?
So, you’ve got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome—now what? Dr. Phinit Phisitkul recommends starting with the basics: wrist splints, especially at night, to keep your wrist in a neutral position. This can help alleviate pressure on the median nerve. If that doesn’t cut it, physical therapy or even steroid injections might be next on the list to help reduce inflammation and pain.
And if your median nerve is still giving you grief after all that, surgery could be on the table. Don’t worry—it’s outpatient, so you’ll be back to scrolling through Instagram in no time. The procedure involves relieving pressure on the nerve, and many patients experience immediate relief.
Final Thoughts
The key is not to ignore the symptoms and hope they’ll go away. Dr. Phinit Phisitkul, your hand has a way of getting the last word. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may seem like a minor inconvenience, but with early intervention and appropriate treatment, you can reclaim your hands and get back to the activities you love. So, take care of those wrists—your future self will thank you!