A growing number of people are seeking advice and treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Workers whose job requires repetitive hand movements, such as computer operators, construction workers, musicians and artists, are the most likely individuals to suffer the pain and discomfort of this syndrome. Many seek medical advice in an attempt to deal with the pain. Some are given pain relievers or steroid treatments, but sometimes surgery is the course of action recommended.
But how bad can carpal tunnel syndrome be, and is it really worth having surgery over? Carpel tunnel syndrome is essentially the compression of the median nerve that travels the length of the arm. It actually becomes compressed at the point at the wrist where the transverse carpal ligament binds the ligaments of your arm together. This condition occurs with anyone with a job that requires repeated singular motion in their arm or wrist. Essentially, this repeated motion causes the tension in the transverse carpal ligament.
If you think surgery will prevent you from missing time at work you may be mistaken. There are risks that could cause more lost time. It is important to consider the pros and cons of taking such drastic measures before jumping into a decision.
The surgical procedure is not a difficult one and only takes a few hours to complete and it can be done with a twilight anesthetic. However, the hand is a delicate and very important part of the body and because of the tiny nerves and tendons involved can be vulnerable to some unexpected problems.
The procedure involves the cutting of the transverse carpal ligament to sever it completely and in doing so relieve the pressure on the median nerve. The patient feels relief immediately but it takes two to six weeks for a complete recovery. There will be loss of work time even if you choose the surgical route.
While carpal tunnel surgery can be effective, it carries with it the risk of a recurrence of the problem. In addition, occasionally some patients lose function and strength in their wrist or elbow as a result of the surgery. It is also expensive, costing from $5,000 to $10,000 which is not an insignificant amount of money. Lost wages from down time at work to heal properly also adds to the overall expense of the procedure.
These exercises actually stretch the transverse carpal ligament reducing the pressure that is causing the pain. Regardless of whether or not you opt for surgery in the long run, learning these exercises will continue to be helpful even after surgery.
If you are suffering from the pain and numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome it is important to seek a medical opinion for confirmation and advice. The sooner you begin treatment, the more likely you will be to keep the problem manageable.
But how bad can carpal tunnel syndrome be, and is it really worth having surgery over? Carpel tunnel syndrome is essentially the compression of the median nerve that travels the length of the arm. It actually becomes compressed at the point at the wrist where the transverse carpal ligament binds the ligaments of your arm together. This condition occurs with anyone with a job that requires repeated singular motion in their arm or wrist. Essentially, this repeated motion causes the tension in the transverse carpal ligament.
If you think surgery will prevent you from missing time at work you may be mistaken. There are risks that could cause more lost time. It is important to consider the pros and cons of taking such drastic measures before jumping into a decision.
The surgical procedure is not a difficult one and only takes a few hours to complete and it can be done with a twilight anesthetic. However, the hand is a delicate and very important part of the body and because of the tiny nerves and tendons involved can be vulnerable to some unexpected problems.
The procedure involves the cutting of the transverse carpal ligament to sever it completely and in doing so relieve the pressure on the median nerve. The patient feels relief immediately but it takes two to six weeks for a complete recovery. There will be loss of work time even if you choose the surgical route.
While carpal tunnel surgery can be effective, it carries with it the risk of a recurrence of the problem. In addition, occasionally some patients lose function and strength in their wrist or elbow as a result of the surgery. It is also expensive, costing from $5,000 to $10,000 which is not an insignificant amount of money. Lost wages from down time at work to heal properly also adds to the overall expense of the procedure.
These exercises actually stretch the transverse carpal ligament reducing the pressure that is causing the pain. Regardless of whether or not you opt for surgery in the long run, learning these exercises will continue to be helpful even after surgery.
If you are suffering from the pain and numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome it is important to seek a medical opinion for confirmation and advice. The sooner you begin treatment, the more likely you will be to keep the problem manageable.
About the Author:
Before submitting to invasive surgery, there are things doctor's might not tell you about carpal tunnel syndrome. Because of the nature of repetitive stress injuries such as CTS, surgery is not always the best option. There are many stretches and lifestyle adjustments that a sufferer will benefit from over carpal tunnel surgery.
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