Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Every day, the average person uses both hands and wrists to operate laptops, cell phones, machines, and much more. For millions, constant use can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is inflammation of the median nerve. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel located in the wrist and spreads to the fingers. Sometimes, the tunnel becomes inflamed, pressing on the nerve. The result is pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. Besides overuse, other risk factors include obesity, arthritis, medications, and medical conditions.
Turning to surgery
Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome do not need surgery. Patients respond well to medication, steroid injections, and occupational and physical therapy. Chronic, severe cases that don’t respond to treatment can benefit from endoscopic surgery. An orthopedic surgeon uses a small device with a camera attached called an endoscope. The surgeon cuts away some of the inflamed transverse ligament through the same small incision or a second incision. After recovery, endoscopic surgery brings much-needed relief, particularly for the following 4 activities.
1. Regaining grip strength
Grip strength is essential every day, from holding a pen to opening a jar. A common symptom of carpal tunnel is the gradual loss of grip strength. Carpal tunnel reduces nerve function, which is essential for sending signals to the muscles. As a result, patients cannot hold even small objects for long periods. After healing and recovery, patients may see an improvement in grip strength.
2. Dressing becomes easier
The pain, numbness, and discomfort increase as the condition progresses. Over time, patients can even lose strength and coordination in the fingers. Fingers help with dressing, such as zippers, buttons, and shoelaces. Using the fingers is easier since there’s less nerve pain and getting dressed is no longer a chore.
3. Regain typing speed
Millions of Americans use computers for work, business, and social ventures. While typing is essential, the practice is often a risk factor for carpal tunnel. Over time, carpal tunnel decreases both typing speed and ability. Studies show that in as little as 3 weeks after surgery, patients saw improvement with increased rates after 3 months.
4. Lift heavier for longer
Moderate to severe carpal tunnel limits the ability to lift objects. In some cases, the pain can move to the arm, making holding objects for long periods difficult. Surgery can reduce the pain, numbness, and weakness common with lifting objects. Along with physical therapy, patients should be able to lift simple things for longer.
Enjoy the benefits
Endoscopic surgery can help with a severe carpal tunnel that does not respond to treatment. The surgery means faster recovery, fewer scars, and postoperative pain. Best of all, surgery can improve the quality of life. Simple activities like grip strength, lifting, and typing improve after recovery. Endoscopic surgery improves not only the pain but the quality of life.
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“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
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“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.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“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.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
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