Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Overview
Doctors & Specialists

Schedule a Consultation

Request an appointment online with a UVM Medical Group carpal tunnel specialist.

Returning patient? Log in and schedule your appointment through MyChart.

New patient? Click the button below to schedule a consultation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressively painful hand and arm condition that causes numbness, tingling, weakness and other problems caused by a pinched median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm through a small space in your wrist (carpal tunnel) to your hand.

Proper carpal tunnel treatment relieves the pain and numbness and restores normal use of the wrists and hands in most people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at UVM Medical Center

Carpal tunnel syndrome is best managed by a group of specialists that include occupational medicine specialists, orthopedic surgeons, hand surgeons, radiologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. This team approach involves doctors and specialists with diverse medical training who are all dedicated to providing you with the most comprehensive treatment possible. Our hand surgeons, non-surgical providers, and therapists offer the full spectrum of care for carpal tunnel syndrome - from non-operative and conservative treatment for the management of pain to complex surgery. We work closely with you and your family, sharing information and education about the different treatment options personalized to your condition.

Diagnosis for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Typically, carpal tunnel syndrome starts with a vague achiness in your wrist that can stretch to your hand or forearm.
Common carpal tunnel symptoms include:

Tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand
Wrist pain
Weakness in your hands

Generally, anything that aggravates or squeezes the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. The University of Vermont Medical Center's occupational medicine specialists and radiologists are specially trained to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. Tests may include:

EMG (Electromyography)
Nerve Conduction Study
Medical History: The doctor asks about any medical problems or illnesses, previous injuries, current symptoms or daily activities that may be causing your carpal tunnel symptoms.
Physical Examination
X-Ray

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments

We usually begin carpal tunnel treatment with the most conservative options, such as wrist splinting or medications. If your condition does not improve, our highly-skilled specialists may recommend carpal tunnel surgery. The course of action your doctor recommends depends on your diagnostic tests and other factors. Carpal tunnel treatment options at The University of Vermont Medical Center include: