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Learn about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at Barrington talk

According to The American College of Rheumatology, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand ailments, affecting 4 million to 10 million Americans.

Learn more about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at an upcoming Community Lecture. Dr. Panchal will discuss the risk factors, symptoms, conditions which may irritate it and how the diagnosis is made from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, in the Prairie Room, 450 W. Highway 22, Barrington.

Females are three times more likely than males to develop CTS. It affects the wrist and hand and occurs when too much pressure is put on the median nerve, which runs through the wrist to the hand and fingers.

Carpal tunnel doesn't have a specific cause, but there are common causes including overuse (frequent, repetitive movement with the hands), wrist injuries or metabolic/hormonal changes. Anything that might cause the wrist to swell can lead to CTS.

Common symptoms of CTS include:

• Pain, usually in your hand, but can be in your arm or shoulder

• Numbness, tingling, "pins and needles" in the hand or fingers

• Burning feeling in the hand or fingers

• Wrist tenderness

• Wrist swelling

• Weakness or loss of strength in your hand

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on your specific symptoms. Treatment could include:

• Wrist splints: Wrist splints can help reduce pressure by keeping your wrist in a certain position.

• Exercises: Usually prescribed by an occupational therapist, physical therapist or a physician.

• Medicine: Medicine is used to help reduce swelling. As swelling goes down, pressure is relieved.

• Medicine injected into the wrist: Steroids can be injected into the wrist to help bring down swelling

• Surgery

"During surgery, a small incision is made on the palm side of your hand," says Dr. Surbi Panchal, orthopedic surgeon on staff at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. "This opens up the carpal tunnel, relieving pressure on the median nerve. The operation usually takes about an hour, and you can go home the same day."

If you have some of the symptoms listed above, don't self-diagnose or you could potentially wind up much worse. Make an appointment to see a physician that is experienced in diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome.

Space is limited. To register, call (800) 323-8622 and mention class code 3G84. Or visit advocatehealth.com/gshp and click on "I need a class or support group" and type class code 3G84 in the keyword box.

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