What Is Carpal Boss Syndrome and How Is It Treated?

When it comes to your hand’s bone and muscular structure, several conditions can develop over time. Each can cause varying issues and potential discomfort that may require a professional consultation. One such syndrome that can cause distress for patients that does not get as much attention is carpal boss syndrome. It may prove challenging to diagnose carpal boss syndrome, but few key indicators and treatment options are available to correct the issue.

What Is Carpal Boss Syndrome?

While carpal boss syndrome shares a name and general vicinity to the more well-known carpal tunnel syndrome, the similarities end there. While carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the same repetitive motions irritating the median nerve and causing discomfort in your fingers, carpal boss syndrome stems from bone overgrowth in the wrist where your index or middle fingers meet the carpal bones. The resulting growth manifests itself as an immovable lump at the base of your wrist. Other common conditions, such as bursitis, osteoarthritis, and tendon damage, can mask the underlying cause and prevent an accurate diagnosis. 

What Causes Carpal Boss Syndrome? 

The direct cause of carpal boss syndrome has yet to be identified. The reason appears to be different for each person, but there does seem to be some commonalities. The most common apparent causes appear to be the result of traumatic injury, repetitive motions, and possibly a congenital bone spurs condition. 

What’s the Diagnosis, Doc? 

For doctors to diagnose you with carpal boss syndrome, there are some benchmarks that they have to determine first — ascertaining when you first noticed the bump, if your range of motion has been negatively affected, and if the lump is causing you pain. Once your doctor determines that you have carpal boss syndrome, choosing a course of action to remedy the problem can begin.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, patients have a variety of treatment options when they come to Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center. There are non-surgical therapeutic rehabilitation options to help reduce the pain in your wrist. Your doctor may also use a corticosteroid injection to reduce the swelling.

Are you looking for a hand and wrist specialist to take a look at your ailing hand? Or are you in need of a top-of-the-line rehabilitation facility near the City of Brotherly Love to recover from an injury? If so, contact the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center team to learn how we can help!