Why Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Over 400,000 Americans need carpal tunnel surgery yearly. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when inflamed tendons rest on the median nerve of the wrist. The main cause of carpal tunnel surgery is repetitive wrist action. Carpal tunnel also develops from poor wrist position or diseases like diabetes. Pain, discomfort, and a loss of grip strength occurs. If nonsurgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome fails, surgery is the best option.
Prepping for the knife
Before surgical procedures, patients should stop behaviors like smoking and drinking alcohol. Surgeons also suggest patients stop medications prone to blood clotting. Have a big lunch the day before. Patients should stop eating and drinking 12 hours before surgery. Carpal tunnel release surgery happens using two basic surgical procedures.
Open Tunnel surgery
Open surgery clears the passage for the median nerve. A surgeon makes a two-inch incision down the palm or wrist exposing the carpal tunnel. Now the surgeon can make the necessary incisions to the surrounding tendons. The median nerve should now have the breathing room needed to perform better. Finally, stitches close up the incision.
The surgery with a camera
A surgeon can also perform endoscopic surgery. The procedure involves small incisions in the wrist and palm. The surgeon can then insert a small camera to see the underside of the ligament. Next, surgical tools cut away the tendon obstructing the median nerve. After the repairs, the surgeon stitches up the incision.
The surgery’s done: what’s next
Carpal tunnel surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can leave the same day. The hand and wrist remain bandaged for the first two weeks. Until then, doctors prescribe pain medication to aid the recovery process. Patients also get information on bandage care, using ice packs and physical therapy care.
Can surgery bring complications
Carpal tunnel surgery has an excellent success rate of over 90%. Yet surgeries bring a possibility of complications. Fever, soreness at the point of surgery, and bleeding are possible. The adjacent nerves and tendons can damage during the process. In rare cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can reoccur. However, carpal tunnel surgery complications are rare.
Sit back, relax and recover!
The recovery time for carpal tunnel surgery varies. Surgery on the dominant hand has a longer recovery time than the non-dominant hand. Patients should take time to rest for the weeks after the procedure.
How to gradually resume everyday life.
Light activities like driving are possible after one week of surgery. Writing with the dominant hand is possible after 2-4 weeks without discomfort. Lifting, pushing and pulling large loads should get easier after two months. If jobs require heavy use of hands, doctors will recommend extended time off.
Overcoming carpal tunnel surgery
The total recovery time can be up to 12 weeks. Recovery is dependent on key factors including age and the degree of damage. However, patients take several months or up to a year to experience the full benefits of the surgery. With successful carpal tunnel surgery, simple tasks like writing become a joy again.
Recent Posts
Can Torn Ligaments In Your Foot Heal? When To See A Podiatrist
A torn ligament in the foot is uncomfortable and limits mobility, especially in athletes. In some cases, ligament repair is necessary.
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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.”
“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 nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“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.”
“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 from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“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 ”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“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.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“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.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“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!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“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 ”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
Recent Posts
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
Meniscal Repair: Can This Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is common for pain and stiffness. However, some patients can avoid replacement with meniscal repair.
