Hand and Wrist Wellness: What You Should Know

We often take for granted the simple, everyday tasks that require the use of our hands—from scrolling on a tablet to lifting a sleeping baby. It's only when simple actions become painful or difficult due to numbness and tingling that we realize how critical hand health is.

Hand and wrist numbness is a common issue that can worsen over time. One such condition, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), affects many people, including those who are new mothers, those who work at computers and those with underlying medical conditions. Learn what you need to know about hand and wrist wellness in this WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Anshul "Ash" Agarwala, MD, with Cone Health OrthoCare.

Aniqua's Story with CTS

For 35-year-old Aniqua Duff, the joy of welcoming a new baby quickly presented an unexpected challenge. About two years ago, she began noticing persistent numbness and tingling in her fingers, and her grip weakened. "Finger tips started going numb like my middle fingers. So I was like, 'Yeah, this is not normal,'" she recalls.

Simple actions, like doing her baby's hair or picking up a jug, would send tingles from her wrist all the way up to her shoulders. Following a consultation with her primary care doctor, Aniqua was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

What are the signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Dr. Ash Agarwala, a hand surgeon with Cone Health, explains that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage (the carpal tunnel) in the wrist, becomes compressed or squeezed. This nerve supplies feeling to the thumb, index, middle finger, and a portion of the ring finger.

Compression of this nerve causes it to malfunction, leading to the common symptoms: numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain or burning in the hand.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Intermittent Numbness: It often begins subtly, maybe only at night when the wrist is naturally bent during sleep. People may wake up needing to "shake out" their hands.

• Worsening Symptoms: As it progresses, symptoms can become more constant, noticeable while driving, using a phone, or performing simple, repetitive tasks.

Am I at risk?

While often associated with age, CTS can affect many groups:

• Pregnant Women: Due to increased fluid levels in the body, which can cause temporary or prolonged swelling.

• Diabetics: Diabetes is quite commonly associated with the condition.

• Others: Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid issues, or obesity.

• Occupational Risk: Repetitive motion, or keeping the wrist in a fixed bent or extended position for long periods (like extensive computer typing or using vibratory tools), is a major culprit.

What is the newest treatment?

Aniqua Duff received a minimally invasive treatment called endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

"By doing it minimally invasively, we can open up the carpal tunnel without a large incision in their palm," says Dr. Agarwala. "We can allow them to resume their day-to-day activities immediately."

For Aniqua, the recovery was rapid. "I was back in action like day five," she states. She is now thankful to fully use her hands again, enjoying the simple activities of motherhood she once took for granted.

Today’s surgical procedures are a far cry from the weeks-long recovery of the past. The endoscopic approach involves a small incision beneath the palm, inserting a camera, and releasing the nerve from the inside out. This method significantly reduces recovery time and allows people to resume their function and work much quicker.

How can I prevent or manage CTS?

It is important to address symptoms early to prevent worsening.

• Activity Modification: Take intermittent breaks and stretch when performing repetitive tasks like typing.

• Ergonomics: Try to keep your wrists in a flat, neutral, or "functional" position instead of bent or extended, especially when using a keyboard.

• Wrist Braces: Wearing an over-the-counter wrist brace, especially at night, can help keep the wrist in a straight position and alleviate symptoms.

When do I need to see a specialist?

If your symptoms—numbness, tingling, or pain—start becoming more invasive in your daily activities or don't respond to at-home management, it's time to see a specialist. Dr. Agarwala notes that many people ignore the problem for too long.

Before considering surgery, a specialist can coach you on preventative measures, recommend therapeutic exercises, and may try injections or other medications. If these non-surgical methods don't provide relief, or if symptoms have progressed, a modern, minimally invasive surgical procedure like endoscopic carpal tunnel release is available to quickly restore function.