Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: Effective Relief for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
To help you discuss carpal tunnel release surgery as a treatment option with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of this surgical procedure.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and progressive condition that is caused by the compression of the median nerve at the wrist area.
The common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness and tingling in every finger except the little finger
- Pain and burning sensation in hand and wrist that may radiate up the arm and elbow
- Weakness in hand with diminished grip strength
Conservative treatment options include pain medication, hand therapy, hot/cold packs, and ultrasound therapy. If those fail to resolve carpal tunnel syndrome, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Carpal tunnel release surgery is a non-invasive orthopedic surgical technique for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. The orthopedic surgeon performs this surgery according to the following procedure:
- Cut an incision of approximately 1 inch in the palm and wrist area.
- Cut the transverse carpal ligament to release pressure on the median nerve and enlarge the carpal tunnel.
What Happens After Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Following carpal tunnel release surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will provide post-operative care instructions for better recovery and to avoid further complications:
- Elevate hand above heart level to reduce swelling
- Wear a splint
- Apply ice packs to the surgical area to reduce swelling
- Keep the surgical incision clean and dry
- Cover the area with plastic wrap when bathing or showering
- Perform physical therapy to restore wrist strength
- Eat a healthy diet
- Do not smoke will promote healing
Risks and Complications of Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Most patients will not suffer any complications following carpal tunnel release surgery. However, some patients may have pain, infections, scarring, and nerve damage in the hand and wrist area.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can go from a minor annoyance to a major pain, keeping you away from the things you love. See if carpal tunnel release surgery may be the right choice for you.