What Is The Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the hand and wrist. Like the name states, the carpal tunnel is a passage in the wrist formed by small carpal bones. The top portion of the passage is formed by the transverse carpal ligament, a collection of connective tissues located in the wrist. These bones and tissues are connected to the median nerve, which travels down the arm to the hand and fingers. The hand and fingers have additional tendons connected to the median nerve that controls movement.
When nerves swell
When the nerves begin to swell, narrowing the tunnel, the median nerve becomes stressed. This causes issues in the wrist and hand. People with carpal tunnel syndrome may notice some of the following symptoms:
- Tingling
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Burning
- Pain
- Clumsiness
Reasons for surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery is seen as a last resort for people suffering from this condition. Physicians typically will try a few different non-surgical treatments before resorting to surgery. For instance, doctors may suggest wearing a wrist splint while sleeping. Some providers prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications or corticosteroid injections.
Surgery comes into play when the symptoms from carpal tunnel syndrome become untreatable through other avenues and nerve damage occurs. A thorough physical examination will determine the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. From there, a physician may refer to a surgeon.
Surgical procedures
Once surgery becomes the necessary course of action, doctors choose between two different types: minimally invasive surgery or open surgery. During a minimally invasive endoscopic surgical procedure, doctors use an endoscope, a small telescope with a camera lens, to inspect the carpal tunnel and cut the ligament.
Open surgery requires the doctor to make an incision at the base of the hand and cut the median nerve, allowing the nerve to heal. While performing either of these procedures, doctors use local anesthesia to sedate the patient. Local anesthesia doesn’t make the patient drowsy but numbs the area so the patient doesn’t feel much pain during the surgery.
What’s the best option?
Using anesthesia during surgery is a standard procedure for most healthcare providers. Minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery typically uses local anesthesia. Patients can speak with a healthcare provider to learn more about surgery, anesthesia, and side effects.
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“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
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“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
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“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
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“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
