Health South Sunrise

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common hand disorders that people face in their lives

 

While carpal tunnel syndrome isn't considered life-threatening, it can be excruciatingly painful and lead to significant pain and disability. In order to understand this condition better, you need to understand what exactly is carpal tunnel, how it occurs and what to look for in terms of diagnosis and treatment.

 

The carpal tunnel, also known as the CTS, is a narrow passage of bones and ligaments in the lower arm. It consists of a median nerve and tendons. Sometimes thickening of the tendons or irritation along the tunnel narrows the tunnel, causing nerve compression. Common symptoms include tingling and numbness in the arm, difficulty holding objects, and trouble holding objects. Sometimes thickening of the tendons or even swelling of the nerves leads to an enlarged carpal tunnel and narrowing of the nerve.

 

Symptoms often start slowly. You may notice numbness, tingling, or pain in your fingers and thumb. Over time, these symptoms become severe and you may experience pain in the palm, wrist, forearm, and arm, especially when typing on a computer or using a computer mouse. Symptoms can be caused by the carpal tunnel, arthritis, or other injuries to the wrist or hand. While there is no way to heal the carpal tunnel, you can relieve symptoms and pain by avoiding repetitive movements that make symptoms worse.

 

The pain can be debilitating for those suffering from carpal tunnel. For those suffering from pain and dysfunction in the hands, a variety of treatments are available. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen are prescribed depending on the severity of the symptoms. However, over-the-counter pain relievers are not right for everyone. If the pain is more severe, or if symptoms interfere with daily activities or are difficult to treat with conventional medications, surgery may be recommended.

 

 

Before carpal tunnel surgery, you may be given a CT scan and x-rays to help rule out the possibility of a complete tear or a pinched nerve in the wrist or hand. Other tests may be performed, too, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound scans. These tests will help your surgeon to determine the extent of the carpal tunnel, the level of pain and dysfunction, and any associated deformities.

 

After carpal tunnel surgery, you will have to take pain medications and rest for several weeks. Keep in mind that it may take up to four months for symptoms to completely subside. As the healing process is happening, you'll experience pain and limitations in your everyday activities. At first, you may not be able to lift a finger or grasp items well, but the symptoms will subside over time.

 

If symptoms continue after four months of rest, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for carpal tunnel surgery. After surgery, you will receive physical therapy to stretch the muscles and relieve the pain and limit the swelling of the area. Rest will be provided by taking hot baths and going to the bathroom.

 

You will need a brace to help you return to normal activities after carpal tunnel surgery. Your doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and possibly cortisone injections to help reduce swelling.

 

You should not drive a car for at least three months after carpal tunnel surgery. You may be advised to use a hand cart or a wheelchair to assist you to carry your things and maintain your independence. Although you should be able to perform routine tasks in most settings, it may take some time before your hand movements return to normal.

 

If you decide that surgery is your best option, talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options. Your surgeon may recommend a brace, splint, a cast, or a combination of two or more. to help with the pain and swelling. A splint is worn on the wrist and is most common, because it keeps the tendons from relaxing in between the bones, while a cast keeps pressure from building up around the wrist joints.

 

When considering options for managing pain, remember that surgery may cause you limitations in your daily activities. So it's important to talk to your doctor before and after surgery about the options. Discuss whether physical therapy and other non-invasive options may be better options. Also discuss any pain relief methods, such as over-the-counter medications or chiropractic adjustments.