Why Would You Need Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Carpal tunnel release is the surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Inflammation of the carpal tunnel in the wrist causes nerve pain, tingling, and numbness. If left untreated, this condition worsens and may lead to weakness or permanent hand dysfunction. These symptoms are incredibly distressing for patients who depend on typing or other activities with the fingers. A doctor will try non-surgical treatments first, but carpal tunnel surgery is recommended if these fail.
Some much-needed breathing room
Doctors use 2 methods to perform carpal tunnel release. The technique used plays a vital role in how soon patients can resume activities like typing on a computer. The traditional method is called open release, in which the surgeon will make a 2-3-inch incision on the wrist. Then, the surgeon cuts the carpal ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel. With the endoscopic method, the surgeon will make 2 half-inch incisions on the wrist and palm. A tiny camera and light attached to a narrow tube called a scope go into 1 of the incisions. The scope guides the surgeon in inserting instruments and cutting the carpal tunnel through the other incision. Afterward, the hand and wrist will be placed in a splint or bandaged heavily to stabilize the wrist.
What can you expect after the surgery?
Pain and swelling are common in the first week of recovery, and the doctor will provide pain medication. Patients are also advised to keep the hand elevated at night to lessen swelling. In addition, moving the fingers is encouraged to prevent stiffness. The doctor will remove the stitches, bandage, or splint after 2 weeks. From there, the patient will begin physical therapy to help improve hand strength and wrist movement. This recovery period can last several weeks. Over these weeks, performing daily tasks and tasks like typing becomes easier and more manageable.
When can you type on your computer again?
Generally, patients are advised to wait after the 2-week healing period to try repeated hand movements, like typing and using a mouse. Lifting objects or striking keys applies more force which can increase swelling and pain, and delay healing. At 3-4 weeks, the patient should have enough physical therapy to endure typing. The minimally invasive method cuts this time significantly, with patients typing after just 2 weeks. A study found that typing speed can return within a 2-3-week period.
Is surgery a difference-maker?
Years of repetitive movement, like typing, can cause inflammation of the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel. If left untreated, the weakness felt in hands can lead to reduced productivity. Carpal tunnel release can help give the nerve some extra space. Be prepared to rest for 2-3 weeks before spending hours typing or typing quickly. Resting well after surgery will set the patient up for years of reduced pain and better quality of life.
Recent Posts
Spine Solutions: ACDF vs PLIF For Treating Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis can cause chronic neck and limb pain. ACDF and PLIF are suggested surgical options. Learn which is the best solution for long-term relief.
What Does A Pinched Nerve Feel Like? Radiculopathy & Tingling In Arms Or Legs
Experiencing tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in the arms or legs? Learn about a pinched nerve and radiculopathy and the best treatment options for relief.
Radiofrequency Ablation & Chronic Pain: Can RFA Provide Long-Term Pain Relief?
Radiofrequency ablation has a place in treating chronic pain. By destroying nerve endings and disrupting pain receptors, users can enjoy long-term pain relief.
Nasal Relief: Balloon Sinuplasty & Minimally Invasive Sinus Treatment
Finding relief for chronic sinus issues can be difficult. Balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive sinus treatment, can clear the nasal passage and reduce pain.
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“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.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“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.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“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 ”
“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. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“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 ”
“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.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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.”
“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 friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“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 staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“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.”
Recent Posts
Spine Solutions: ACDF vs PLIF For Treating Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis can cause chronic neck and limb pain. ACDF and PLIF are suggested surgical options. Learn which is the best solution for long-term relief.
What Does A Pinched Nerve Feel Like? Radiculopathy & Tingling In Arms Or Legs
Experiencing tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in the arms or legs? Learn about a pinched nerve and radiculopathy and the best treatment options for relief.
Radiofrequency Ablation & Chronic Pain: Can RFA Provide Long-Term Pain Relief?
Radiofrequency ablation has a place in treating chronic pain. By destroying nerve endings and disrupting pain receptors, users can enjoy long-term pain relief.
Nasal Relief: Balloon Sinuplasty & Minimally Invasive Sinus Treatment
Finding relief for chronic sinus issues can be difficult. Balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive sinus treatment, can clear the nasal passage and reduce pain.
