Specialized Services: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel release surgery is a very common procedure and is recommended following several months of conservative non-surgical treatments. The procedure involves surgically cutting the band of tissue in the wrist that is pressing the median nerve. It is normally done under local anesthesia and no hospital stay is required.

This is a fairly common affliction in which the median nerve, which stretches from the forearm into the hand, is pressed or squeezed at the wrist. It can affect anyone and is not limited to those in a particular industry or job, although people who work in assembly line jobs seem very susceptible.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome normally affects only adults. Women experience carpal tunnel problems more than men probably since the carpal tunnel itself is smaller in women. People with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that affect the body’s nervous system also are prone to this problem.

Normally, a patient’s dominant hand is the first to be affected and usually is the most painful. Symptoms include weakness, pain and/or numbness in the hand and wrist that radiates along the arm. Symptoms often appear during the night when a patient is sleeping.

It is necessary to use a nerve conduction study to confirm Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Your doctor also may ask you do the movements that bring on carpal tunnel problems.

Once diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you should begin physician- supervised treatments immediately. These can include:

Non-surgical Treatments

• Drugs to ease the pain and swelling produced by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Exercises that include stretching and strengthening the hand, wrist and forearm muscles can alleviate and/or eliminate symptoms.

Surgical Treatments

Carpal tunnel release surgery is a very common procedure and is recommended following several months of conservative non-surgical treatments. The procedure involves surgically cutting the band of tissue in the wrist that is pressing the median nerve. It is normally done under local anesthesia and no hospital stay is required.

Symptoms are usually eliminated immediately following surgery, although full recovery can take several months. It’s recommended you undergo physical therapy following surgery to restore full strength to your hand and wrist. Most patients fully recover and resume a normal lifestyle.

Prevention

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be prevented by performing hand, wrist and forearm stretching exercises. Additionally, you should take frequent rest breaks, wear protective splints to keep your wrists straight and always use proper posture and wrist positions. Additionally, work areas should be designed to minimize stress and fatigue on your body. If necessary, try to rotate your position with a coworker to reduce body stress.