Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist

Jessen Mukalel, MD Our Services Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Jessen Mukalel, MD

Spine, Sports, and Interventional Pain Specialists & Alternative Medicine located in Conroe, TX

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the nerve that provides sensation to your fingers and movement of your thumb. Though symptoms start gradually, they tend to worsen over time and require medical management. Jessen Mukalel, MD, is an interventional pain specialist who offers innovative treatments to help those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome regain feeling and use of their hands. To schedule a consultation, call the office in The Woodlands, Texas, or use the online booking tool today.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Q & A

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition affecting your wrist and the palm of your hand. It develops when the median nerve, which goes from your forearm into your palm, gets pinched or squeezed as it runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. 

Your median nerve provides sensation to the palm-side of your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and a portion of your ring finger. It also assists with muscle movement in your thumb.

What are carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms?

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms tend to start gradually and worsen over time. You may first experience a tingling sensation in your hand when you wake up in the morning that resolves quickly. As the compression worsens, you may begin to experience symptoms that last into the day and include:

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Burning
  • Weakness

Eventually, your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms may affect your hand grip, making it harder for you to turn a doorknob or hold a cup of coffee. 

When should I seek medical care for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Dr. Mukalel recommends you seek medical care for carpal tunnel syndrome as soon as you start noticing symptoms. Early treatments like bracing, medications, and steroid injections reduce pressure on the nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. 

What treatments are offered for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Dr. Mukalel offers ultrasound-guided diagnostic exams and injections. Using ultrasound imaging for your steroid injection allows for the most precise needle placement with the least collateral damage to other tendons. 

Dr. Mukalel has used ultrasound imaging for over a decade and has taught hundreds of other physicians. He feels confident and comfortable injecting steroids safely around the median nerve and into the carpal tunnel to relieve compression and alleviate your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. 

Will I need surgery for my carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, called carpal tunnel release, is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. Dr. Mukalel will soon offer SX-One MicroKnife® from Sonex Health, an ultrasound-guided, 15-minute carpal tunnel release procedure.

With the SX-One MicroKnife technology, Dr. Mukalel minimizes carpal tunnel trauma by creating a small 1-centimeter incision in your wrist. The minimally invasive technique allows for a fast 2-5-day recovery, as opposed to the 2-5-week recovery required after traditional carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

Dr. Mukalel will perform the innovative carpal tunnel syndrome surgery under local anesthesia at the office or a surgical center. Some post-surgical physical therapy is recommended following the procedure.

For relief from your carpal tunnel syndrome, contact the office of Jessen Mukalel, MD, by phone or online today.

 

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