How do I Fix Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, also known as CTS, is extremely common and estimated to affect around 6 million U.S. adults at any one time. The condition can come and go, but for some patients, it is a chronic problem that has a very real impact on their day to day lives.
The vast majority of cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are believed to occur as a result of repetitive movements made by the wrist. As such, it is more common in people who have a job or recreational pursuit that involves this type of movement – for example those who spend a lot of time typing, playing a musical instrument, woodworking, or playing a sport like tennis. The repetitive movement causes swelling and inflammation in the wrist, and this in turn can place pressure onto the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel itself is a thin passageway that runs along the arm into the wrist and contains the primary nerve, called the median nerve, that serves the limb and hand. When the carpal tunnel is compressed, it can cause a range of neurological symptoms including tingling, pain, numbness, and weakness in the wrist and hand.
What can be done to fix carpal tunnel?
Many people live with carpal tunnel syndrome for some time before they seek professional help. This is especially true since the symptoms are often progressive and can be easy to overlook or ignore in the early stages. Nevertheless, the condition nearly always gets worse unless it is treated.
Initially, you may try a few non-invasive techniques to help treat your carpal tunnel syndrome and prevent further flare-ups. This could involve taking anti-inflammatory medications, using cold compression to alleviate swelling, and avoiding repetitive movements. However, many patients who find that their condition doesn’t improve significantly enough or who are in serious discomfort from their CTS are recommended to undergo surgery to fix the problem. This surgery is known as carpal tunnel release surgery.
Carpal tunnel release surgery
Carpal tunnel release surgery involves severing the carpal tunnel in the area where it is tight and inflamed so that it reduces the pressure on the median nerve. the carpal tunnel is then reattached in a position that gives the median nerve more space, making it less likely to be compressed again in the future.
Carpal tunnel release is usually performed endoscopically where possible. This makes the process minimally-invasive since the surgery takes place through a number of very small incisions rather than opening up the whole wrist. Tiny surgical tools are passed into the incisions, where a camera on a long, thin tube with a light and camera also sits, illuminating the area which is projected onto a screen in the operating room. The main benefit of this procedure is performed endoscopically is the shortened recovery time. Patients can expect to make a recovery from endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery in just 4-8 weeks, while those who undergo open surgery could be healing for up to 6 months. Endoscopic surgery also comes with fewer risks and less post-operative discomfort.
If you are concerned that you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and you would like to speak to a professional to obtain a diagnosis and the treatment you need to continue to live life to the fullest, please don’t hesitate to call our experienced surgical team.
