A common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist — affecting grip, sensation, and quality of life.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, becomes compressed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of bone and ligament. When tissues surrounding the tendons swell, they put pressure on the nerve, causing pain, numbness, and tingling.
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Pain may radiate up the arm. Many patients notice symptoms are worse at night. Weakness in grip and difficulty with fine motor tasks are also common.
Dr. Letzelter takes a stepwise approach: splinting, activity modification, and corticosteroid injections are tried first. When these fail, carpal tunnel release surgery — which can be performed endoscopically with minimal downtime — relieves pressure on the nerve with excellent long-term results.
As a fellowship-trained hand surgeon with board certification in hand surgery, Dr. Letzelter has extensive experience treating carpal tunnel syndrome. He practices at Fairfax VA, Friendship Heights DC, and Children's National Hospital.
Dr. Letzelter sees patients in Fairfax VA, Friendship Heights DC, and Children's National Hospital.
Call 703-876-2788