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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

To understand carpal tunnel syndrome, first, you should understand the anatomy of your hand and wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Anatomy

The carpal tunnel is a small pathway at the base of your wrist that involves nine tendons and the median nerve, which is responsible for sending feelings to your fingers and aids flexibility of your hand’s muscles.

When an individual experiences carpal tunnel syndrome, their pathway narrows, putting pressure on the median nerve, leading to a tingling or numbness feeling in your fingers or weakening your hand muscles.

Several factors may cause carpal tunnel syndrome, including medical conditions. However, repetitive activities involving your hand can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Most cases are caused by repetitive activities or constant vibration, but some cases don’t have a specific cause.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel

You may have carpal tunnel if you experience the following symptoms:

  • Tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand, either while moving or resting
  • Difficult to carry daily tasks, such as typing or driving
  • Hand weakness or hand/arm pain

If you are experiencing these symptoms, call Dr. Howland for a proper diagnosis of carpal tunnel. He will focus on how sensitive your median nerve is, and may suggest an electromyography (EMG) for further evaluation. For some cases, lifestyle changes may improve your carpal tunnel syndrome. If this is not the case for you, surgery may offer permanent relief.

What to Expect with Surgery

Generally, carpal tunnel surgery involves releasing the ligament in your pathway that is putting pressure and causing your carpal tunnel symptoms. Releasing this ligament creates more room for the median nerve and 9 tendons, improving your hand function and strength.

Results

Carpal tunnel surgery is very successful and restores function of the hand. Dr. Howland will diagnose and successfully treat your carpal tunnel syndrome with a treatment that is best for you. The primary goal is for you not to worry about carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms when going throughout your normal day.

Contact Dr. Howland today to schedule your evaluation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

What are typical restrictions after carpal tunnel surgery?

For two weeks after the surgery, you’ll want to avoid lifting things. You’ll also be advised to avoid repeated hand or arm movements, keep your hand elevated, and move your fingers to prevent stiffness.

How long till you can use your hand after carpal tunnel surgery?

For two weeks after the surgery, you’ll want to avoid lifting things. You’ll also be advised to avoid repeated hand or arm movements, keep your hand elevated, and move your fingers to prevent stiffness.

Can you bend your wrist after carpal tunnel surgery?

You should avoid bending your wrist for at least the first two weeks after the surgery.

What happens first week after carpal tunnel surgery?

The first week after carpal tunnel surgery involves your wrist being in a heavy bandage or some kind of splint. You will be advised to move your fingers during this time, but other than that, you should avoid hand or arm movement and keep your hand elevated. You may experience some pain or discomfort as well.

Why Do I Need Carpal Tunnel Release?

You may need carpal tunnel release surgery if you’re struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are feeling pain or weakness in the hand, there is likely pressure being put on the median nerve. Surgery releases that pressure and reduces the pain.

How Effective Is Release Surgery in Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel release surgery can be very effective on carpal tunnel syndrome. It can completely get rid of pain and other symptoms.