Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • May 26, 2020
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: 5 Steps

Numb and tingling fingers, shock-like sensations through the hand – these are just a couple of symptoms that may indicate the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition which affects the thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers is the result of entrapment or compression of the median nerve as it makes its way through the carpal tunnel of ligament and bone located at the wrist.


Who Gets Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Most people commonly associate carpal tunnel syndrome with jobs that require a lot of typing or computer use, and while this type of work is certainly a risk factor, the truth is that carpal tunnel can affect anyone. Risk factors that may impact one’s likelihood to develop the condition include:

  • Heredity – Some hereditary traits may result in a smaller carpal tunnel space in some individuals
  • Sex – Women are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men. Pregnancy-related hormone changes can also increase risk in women.
  • Health Conditions – Other health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism may also contribute to the condition.
  • Hand Motion – Repetitive movement of the hand and wrist is among the most heavily weighted factors. Likewise, keeping the hand or wrist in a flexed or extended position for prolonged periods of time can also have a negative impact.


How Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be Prevented?

While some of the risk factors above are beyond your control, there are ways to mitigate carpal tunnel risk. Considering factors we can control, here are a few key steps that can be taken to help prevent carpal tunnel inflammation and median nerve compression:

  1. Try to avoid sleeping in any position which would keep your wrist curled or bent.
  2. If your job requires repetitive wrist or hand motions such as typing, take frequent breaks throughout the day to rest, stretch, and change position.
  3. Keep an ergonomic work station that promotes good posture and comfortable positioning of the arms, wrists, and hands as you work.
  4. Maintain a healthy weight through good diet and regular exercise. Obesity can compound other factors and speed the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  5. Focus on maintaining a comfortable grip. It is easy to grip objects like a pencil or pen too tightly which can aggravate symptoms.


Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Baton Rouge

If you are suffering from bothersome symptoms such as hand or finger pain, numbness, or tingling, contact the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge. Our team of orthopedic physicians includes hand specialists who can quickly help you reach a diagnosis and begin a treatment plan to bring relief.


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Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • April 1, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Christopher Belleau is transitioning to The Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge.  Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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