When to See A Surgeon for Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a frequent ailment that causes hand and finger discomfort, numbness, and tingling. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve that is located from the elbow into the palm of the hand, is squeezed in the wrist.

This can happen due to a variety of factors, including repetitive hand movements, wrist injuries, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs That You Need Surgical Treatment

While CTS can often be treated with non-surgical methods such as splinting, physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), there are certain situations in which seeing a surgeon may be necessary.

Here are some signs that it may be time to consider surgical treatment for CTS:

1. Non-surgical treatments are not providing relief

If you have tried non-surgical methods of treatment for CTS and are still experiencing symptoms, it may be time to consider seeing a surgeon. This is especially true if your symptoms are severe or are interfering with your daily activities.

2. Your CTS is causing weakness in your hand or fingers

If your CTS is causing weakness in your hand or fingers, it may be time to see a surgeon. This is because the compression of the median nerve can lead to muscle atrophy (wasting) in the hand, which can cause weakness and difficulty with fine motor tasks such as writing or buttoning a shirt.

3. Your CTS is affecting your sleep

CTS can cause severe pain and numbness that can make it difficult to sleep at night. If your CTS is disrupting your sleep and you have tried non-surgical treatments without success, it may be time to consider surgical intervention.

4. You have developed a fixed deformity in your hand or wrist

In some cases, CTS can cause a fixed deformity in the hand or wrist, such as a claw-like deformity of the fingers. If you have developed a fixed deformity due to CTS, it may be necessary to see a surgeon to correct the deformity and relieve your symptoms.

Types of surgery for CTS

There are several surgical options available for the treatment of CTS, including:

Endoscopic surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera (an endoscope) is inserted through a small incision in the wrist to visualize and release the compressed median nerve.
Open surgery: This is a traditional surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the wrist to release the compressed median nerve.
Ligament reconstruction surgery: This procedure is used in cases where the ligaments in the wrist are causing the compression of the median nerve. It involves reconstructing the ligaments to relieve the compression on the nerve.

Recovery from CTS surgery

Recovery from CTS surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and the individual patient. In general, patients can expect to experience some swelling and discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with pain medication.

Physical therapy may also be recommended to help restore strength and function to the hand and wrist. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks of surgery.

FAQ

Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome permanent?

CTS is not a permanent condition and can often be treated effectively with non-surgical methods such as splinting, physical therapy, and NSAIDs. In cases where these treatments are not effective, carpal tunnel syndrome surgery in Boise can be used to relieve the compression on the median nerve and improve symptoms. However, it is important to follow your treatment plan and make any necessary lifestyle changes to prevent the condition from recurring.

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of CTS, including:

Repetitive hand movements: CTS is often seen in people who perform the same hand movements repeatedly, such as typing or using a mouse.
Wrist injuries: Fractures, sprains, and other injuries to the wrist can increase the risk of CTS.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid problems can increase the risk of CTS
Pregnancy: CTS is common during pregnancy due to fluid retention and other hormonal changes.
Age: The risk of CTS increases with age.
Genetics: Some people may be more prone to CTS due to inherited traits.

What are the treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Treatment for CTS depends on the severity of the condition and may include:

Non-surgical treatments: These may include splinting, physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgery: In cases where non-surgical treatments are not providing relief, surgery may be recommended. There are several surgical options available for CTS, including endoscopic surgery, open surgery, and ligament reconstruction surgery.

How can I prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

There are several things you can do to help prevent CTS, including:

Take breaks: If you perform repetitive hand movements, it is important to take breaks and stretch your hands and wrists regularly.
Use good posture: Make sure that your workstation is set up properly to promote good posture and reduce strain on your wrists.
Use ergonomic equipment: Using ergonomic equipment such as keyboard, mouse, and tools can help reduce the risk of CTS.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can increase the risk of CTS, so maintaining a healthy weight may help prevent the condition.
Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of CTS, so quitting smoking may help reduce the risk.

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be cured?

CTS can often be treated effectively and the symptoms can be relieved. However, it is important to follow your treatment plan and make any necessary lifestyle changes to prevent the condition from recurring. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying cause of CTS and achieve a full recovery.

Final Thoughts

If non-surgical treatments such as splinting and physical therapy are not providing relief, or if your CTS is causing weakness, disrupting your sleep, or leading to a fixed deformity, it may be time to consider surgical treatment. A surgeon can help determine the best.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be painful, but with the right carpal tunnel syndrome surgery in Boise, it is often possible to find relief.