Give a Gift CertificateCarpal Tunnel Syndrome - Back to Hand Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
he carpal tunnel is a passage in the wrist through which travel
multiple tendons and one of the major nerves of the hand -- the median nerve. Disease,
injury, or repetitive wrist movements often cause swelling of the ligaments around
the tunnel. When this swelling gets bad enough, the nerve becomes squeezed and compressed,
and patients develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
Most patients first complain of a tingling sensation to the fingers, followed by progressive numbness, nighttime pain, and diminished grip strength. Pain may even progress up to the shoulder. There may be increasing pain when combing hair, or the inability to pick up kitchen pans like before.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, numbness, or a dull ache in the shaded area shown in the illustration. |
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If left untreated carpal tunnel compression can result in permanent hand injury. In early cases splinting, work modifications, and medications can relieve and reverse the disorder. Surgery, however, may be required in more advanced stages.
A short incision is made in the wrist, and the carpal ligaments are cut. The nerve itself is not operated upon. The procedure takes about 30 minutes. The wound is then sewn up and an Ace® bandage is wrapped around the area.
It may be 2-3 months before the hand returns to unrestricted work activities. Carpal tunnel release can be done in the office or the hospital under either local or general anesthesia.