What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve that runs to the hand is compressed. It lies in a "tunnel" bound by unforgiving and very hard ligaments. If the nerve then swells and becomes inflamed, it becomes enlarged. It has no space to go and becomes compressed.
The symptoms occur most commonly in the thumb, index and middle fingers. |
Symptom Checker
Weakness when gripping things with your hand
Pain and/or numbness in the hand A sensation of pins and needles A feeling of swelling in the fingers Swollen feeling in the fingers Burning or tingling Pain and numbness that is worse at night and when waking up |
Diagnosis
Causes
Frequent repetitive movements with the hands like typing
Use of vibrating heavy duty equipment Frequent repetitive grasping activities with the hand Diabetes (High Blood Sugar) Thyroid Disease Menopause Pregnancy Family History |
Conservative Treatment
Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery for carpal tunnel release is quite easy. It involves an incision in the middle of the palm and is very small. Once arriving at the roof of the tunnel, the surgeon then release the upper boundary of the carpal tunnel- the transverse carpal ligament. By releasing this ligament, the nerve is no longer compressed by the rigid boundary and immediately gets its blood flow restored
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Rehabilitation
Post operative care after a carpal tunnel is relatively easy. Symptoms from prior to surgery tend to go away within the first day after surgery. Stitches routinely stay in for 2 weeks in order to let the incision heal. During the first two weeks after surgery you are not to get the incision wet. Once stitches are removed at 2 weeks, you are able to return to activity as normal! We have no early restrictions! We want you to get back to life as fast as possible pain free!
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