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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Condition: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a pressure on the median nerve, which is the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel.

Risk Factors and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel

The condition is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Typing on a keyboard is one of the most common causes of carpal tunnel. The condition is also more common in women than men and most often occurs in people who are 30 to 60 years old. Symptoms include:

  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
  • Numbness or tingling in the palm of the hand
  • Pain extending to the elbow
  • Problems with fine finger movements
  • Pain in the wrist or hand (one or both)

Diagnosis and Treatment

A physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders and neck can help determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Doctors can also use specific tests to try to produce the symptoms of carpal tunnel to be sure of the diagnosis.

Treatment varies on your individual condition. If there is an underlying condition, that will be treated first. Many times the initial treatment for carpal tunnel will be simply resting your hand or wrist for at least two weeks and avoiding any activities that may worsen symptoms. Treatment does not always mean surgery; it could be medication or exercise. However, surgery can be the best option depending on the severity of your condition.

Providers Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Note that every treatment or procedure listed above may not be provided by each provider listed below. Review each provider for availability.

John  W.  Bracey Jr., M.D.

John W. Bracey Jr., M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Patrick Shea Brannan, M.D.

Patrick Shea Brannan, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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G. Thomas Frazier Jr., M.D.

G. Thomas Frazier Jr., M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Sean M. Morell, M.D.

Sean M. Morell, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Mark A. Tait, M.D.

Mark A. Tait, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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David D. Walker, M.D.

David D. Walker, M.D. Otolaryngologist

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Theresa O. Wyrick-Glover, M.D.

Theresa O. Wyrick-Glover, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Locations Where Providers Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Autumn Road Clinic

Orthopaedic Clinic — Autumn Road

600 Autumn Road
Little Rock, AR 72211

Appointment Phone Numbers
(501) 526-1046
New Patients
(501) 320-7776
Returning Patients
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Areas of Expertise for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Portrait of a senior African American couple outdoors. The man is sitting in a wheelchair.

Neurology

UAMS provides some of the best care in Arkansas for adult patients with neurological disorders, including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, immune system and muscles. Our neurologists …

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Orthopedic surgeon working on female patient

Orthopaedics

UAMS Orthopaedics is recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain, conditions, and injuries. Our impact on the field of orthopaedics is …

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Rearview shot of a sporty young man touching his neck while exercising outdoors

Spine Care

UAMS offers a complete range of services for the treatment of spinal conditions, whether they are due to an injury, degenerative condition, sports-related wear-and-tear, spinal tumors or a spinal deformity. …

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Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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