Many of us have encountered times in our lives when we've done repetitive tasks with our hands, whether it was for fun or work. Our hands became stiff and painful. So many jobs now require long periods of time spent on the computer and pointing and clicking is a sure way to increase the odds of experiencing at least a touch of carpal tunnel syndrome.
As the number of personal computers owned has risen, so has the number of cases of carpel tunnel syndrome. If you are among the victims and have consulted with a physician about your condition, you may be facing the prospect of surgery. Understanding what is involved in carpal tunnel surgery may help you make this difficult decision.
The physiology of carpel tunnel syndrome-in the wrist-is a key to understanding how and why carpel tunnel syndrome occurs. The problem occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. This compression occurs due to the tightening of the transverse carpel ligament that encircles the other ligaments that run in parallel down your arm. Surgery for carpel tunnel syndrome seeks to lessen the pressure being put on the median nerve by the transverse carpel ligament.
When surgery is performed, the surgeon will make a small incision in the palm of the patient's hand. It is done under twilight anesthesia and is a simple procedure. The surgeon cuts the transverse carpel ligament and this immediately eases the pressure on the median nerve. The ligament does take time to heal and it normally takes from two to six weeks for a full recovery. This surgery creates more room for the other ligaments and is intended to relieve the pain and pressure the patient has been experiencing.
But is surgery right for you? You probably know that any surgery is risky. With carpel tunnel syndrome surgery, you can't be entirely sure that the symptoms won't soon return or that other problems may occur such as loss of strength in your hands or arms. Also, as you are dealing with many small nerves, muscles and ligaments in this area, the outcome is completely unpredictable. And on top of that, the price of carpel tunnel surgery can cost up to $10,000. So, you have to ask yourself if the surgery is worth it to you.
Alternate forms of treatment are often recommended prior to surgery and have a very good success rate. Your doctor may recommend rest and physical therapy as a first option. This is a beneficial step to take even if you do go forward with surgery. A physical therapist can show you how to use your hands and wrists in such a way as to avoid future or additional damage to your carpal tunnel area. The exercises they give you, if performed faithfully, will also loosen the transverse carpal ligament and help you develop strength and flexibility in the afflicted area.
Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery may not be the quick fix you once thought it was. Therefore, you may benefit from first trying alternative forms of treatment before undergoing a surgical procedure that bears some risk.
As the number of personal computers owned has risen, so has the number of cases of carpel tunnel syndrome. If you are among the victims and have consulted with a physician about your condition, you may be facing the prospect of surgery. Understanding what is involved in carpal tunnel surgery may help you make this difficult decision.
The physiology of carpel tunnel syndrome-in the wrist-is a key to understanding how and why carpel tunnel syndrome occurs. The problem occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. This compression occurs due to the tightening of the transverse carpel ligament that encircles the other ligaments that run in parallel down your arm. Surgery for carpel tunnel syndrome seeks to lessen the pressure being put on the median nerve by the transverse carpel ligament.
When surgery is performed, the surgeon will make a small incision in the palm of the patient's hand. It is done under twilight anesthesia and is a simple procedure. The surgeon cuts the transverse carpel ligament and this immediately eases the pressure on the median nerve. The ligament does take time to heal and it normally takes from two to six weeks for a full recovery. This surgery creates more room for the other ligaments and is intended to relieve the pain and pressure the patient has been experiencing.
But is surgery right for you? You probably know that any surgery is risky. With carpel tunnel syndrome surgery, you can't be entirely sure that the symptoms won't soon return or that other problems may occur such as loss of strength in your hands or arms. Also, as you are dealing with many small nerves, muscles and ligaments in this area, the outcome is completely unpredictable. And on top of that, the price of carpel tunnel surgery can cost up to $10,000. So, you have to ask yourself if the surgery is worth it to you.
Alternate forms of treatment are often recommended prior to surgery and have a very good success rate. Your doctor may recommend rest and physical therapy as a first option. This is a beneficial step to take even if you do go forward with surgery. A physical therapist can show you how to use your hands and wrists in such a way as to avoid future or additional damage to your carpal tunnel area. The exercises they give you, if performed faithfully, will also loosen the transverse carpal ligament and help you develop strength and flexibility in the afflicted area.
Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery may not be the quick fix you once thought it was. Therefore, you may benefit from first trying alternative forms of treatment before undergoing a surgical procedure that bears some risk.
About the Author:
The discomfort of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can make people desperate enough to take drastic measures in trying to ease their pain. Find out what doctors have known for years about carpal tunnel surgery that they might not tell you. There are ways around surgery!
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