What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
The carpal tunnel is a passageway in the wrist that the median nerve runs through to give feeling to the hand and fingers. Many tendons also run through the carpal tunnel, and if any swelling occurs, it is easy for the median nerve to be compressed.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when inflammation in the carpal tunnel puts pressure on the median nerve, resulting in painful sensations in the hand and wrist. Sufferers experience symptoms such as numbness, pins and needles, and pain, particularly at night.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by anything that results in inflammation of the tendons, including repetitive hand movements, arthritis, and pregnancy. It is common in people who must do repetitive wrist and hand actions in their work or day-to-day activities, such as typists, hairdressers, butchers, painters, and others.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be alleviated by releasing the pressure on the median nerve with a simple surgical procedure called a carpal tunnel release.
Reasons to Consider Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Sufferers of advanced carpal tunnel syndrome often report pain during the night, which can result in interrupted sleep. In addition, people with progressive carpal tunnel syndrome may find that they cannot use their thumb correctly, making it difficult to grasp objects.
Left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent numbness and reduced functionality in the hand. However, carpal tunnel syndrome can be addressed with a straightforward procedure called a carpal tunnel release. It provides immense relief for long term sufferers, giving them a new lease on life.
Carpal Tunnel Release Procedure
Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure intended to relieve pressure on the median nerve within the wrist, which may help reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as numbness, tingling, and hand discomfort. While individual outcomes vary, this procedure is commonly performed and may be considered when non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
The carpal tunnel surgery is performed as a day case under a local anaesthetic or sedation, with no overnight hospital stay. A standard carpal tunnel release surgery takes about thirty minutes to complete.
Your surgeon makes a small incision in your wrist to divide the transverse carpal ligament and release the pressure on the median nerve. The body’s healing process will re-join the carpal ligament naturally without putting as much pressure on the underlying nerve.
Your symptoms may improve immediately after surgery or gradually over time, depending on your body’s response.
Potential Risks and Complications
Modern surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is generally safe, but it does carry certain risks and complications. These complications can include problems with wound healing, infection, bleeding, bruising, nerve injury, ongoing tenderness around the scar, or a slow recovery. Rarely, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome do not improve or may return. This may necessitate a future procedure.
Recovery after Carpal Tunnel Surgery
You will receive detailed post-surgery care instructions, including information about how to care for your hand and how to identify potential signs of complication. Your hand will be functional after the surgery, but you should rest it for a few weeks to ensure a thorough and healthy healing process.
You may experience some localised pain and swelling immediately after the procedure that should self-resolve with days. Once you are able to, it is important to follow the exercises outlined in your post-surgery information to regain strength and function in your hand.
Call Dr Turner’s office today to book an appointment to discuss whether carpal tunnel surgery could reduce your symptoms and help you to regain a pain-free life.