Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Management and Surgical Options

According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH), carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. It occurs in your hands when “the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.” The median nerve gives feeling to your fingers on the palm side of your hand.

The Symptoms

When the median nerve is pinched, you may experience some of these symptoms:

• -Numbess, tingling, burning sensation in your palm or fingers
• -Swelling
• -Loss of grip strength
• -The need to “shake out” your hand
• -Inability to tell between hot and cold by touch

If you have carpal tunnel and are looking for a solution, Dr. Richard Jackson and our newest team member, Dr. Sebastian Peers would be happy to see you for a consultation and possibly for a minor procedure, carpal tunnel release. Though surgery may not be necessary, they would provide helpful tips for combating your carpal tunnel.

How do I know if surgery is the best option for me?

• -Your symptoms have lasted for more than 6 months, surgery is usually recommended
• -You’ve tried non-surgical treatments
• -You want a quick, effective recovery

About the surgery: Carpal Tunnel Release

To address your carpal tunnel syndrome, a surgeon gets to the root of the problem – the median nerve. In this surgical procedure, the surgeon severs the tissue putting pressure on the median nerve to relieve pain and reduce pressure directly affecting the nerve.

This procedure is done under local anesthesia and the patient can go home the same day! After surgery, your ligaments will grow back and allow more space than there was before. Often, surgery will immediately relieve your symptoms, but a full recovery period may take several months.

Tips to Manage the Pain

• -Take anti-inflammatory medication, like aspirin or ibuprofen. This can relieve the pressure on the median nerve.
• -Get a corticosteroid injection, such as prednisone or lidocaine.
• -Exercise! Stretch out your wrists and hands as often as possible. Strength training is also beneficial, but is most effective when done with a physical/occupational therapist to work on movements directly related to your symptoms.
• -Do yoga. Yoga has been proven to reduce pain and improve grip strength in those suffering from carpal tunnel.
• -Wear a wrist brace to keep your wrist straight.
• -Wear fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm and flexible.

 Give us a call at 317.455.1064