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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist

Larisa N. Likver, MD -  - Pain Management Physician

Larisa N. Likver, MD

Pain Management Physician located in New York, NY & Brooklyn, NY

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common musculoskeletal condition that affects 1-5% of the adult population. At her practice in Midtown East, New York, and Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Larisa N. Likver, MD, provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Using safe, effective care methodologies, she can relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life. Book an appointment with the online scheduling tool or call either New York City office today. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Q & A

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that occurs due to increased pressure on your median nerve. The median nerve is one of three major nerves in your forearm and hand. It controls motions like reaching, grabbing, and lifting.

If your median nerve becomes compressed due to work or other repetitive motions, it’s normal to experience tingling, numbness, and a weak grip. Fortunately, with early intervention and treatment, it’s possible to relieve and reverse.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Burning
Numbness
Tingling
Weakness
Difficulty making a fist
Frequently dropping things
Pain that extends from your hands to your forearms or shoulder

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you might also notice that your fingers feel thick or swollen, even if they don’t look like it.

Who is at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects people of all ages, races, and genders. Even so, certain factors increase your risk, including fracturing or dislocating your wrist, being overweight, or having an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis.

Other factors that increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome include working on an assembly line or changes in your bodily fluids due to pregnancy or menopause.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Likver reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a physical exam. During the exam, Dr. Likver tests the feeling in your fingers and the strength of the muscles in your hand. She bends your affected wrist and taps on your median nerve to trigger symptoms.

If she suspects an underlying problem like a fractured wrist or arthritis is to blame, Dr. Likver orders X-rays. If she thinks you have carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Likver orders electromyography and a nerve conduction study. These tests evaluate the electrical activity in your muscles when they contract and rest.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the intensity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Whenever possible, Dr. Likver recommends conservative, integrative measures of care like:

Wrist splinting
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Corticosteroids
Prolozone®
Prolotherapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

If your wrist pain doesn’t respond to conservative measures of care, Dr. Likver might recommend surgery. There are several types of surgery used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, including minimally invasive endoscopic surgery and traditional open surgery.

To receive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, request a consultation at the practice of Larisa N. Likver, MD. Book an appointment with the online scheduling tool or call the office today.