As the personal computer made its way into the lives of American citizens, carpal tunnel syndrome was not far behind. It has always existed as it is a syndrome that is caused by repetitive hand motion such as that encountered by the assembly line worker or the carpenter. But it has become much more prevalent as typing, pointing and clicking became a major part of everyone's life. The pain and stiffness associated with this type of repetitive motion can signal the onset of a developing condition.
As diagnosed cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are on the rise, so too are the number of surgeries being performed in an effort to cure it and relieve the pain experienced by the sufferer. If you have found yourself in this untenable situation, understanding what is involved in this type of surgery may assist you in making an informed decision.
Your hands, fingers and wrists are able to perform the motions they do because of the nerves and ligaments that run through them. They are hard at work when you are. But when they are overworked, the median nerve in your wrist may become compressed. Repetitive motion causes the transverse carpel ligament to tighten creating pressure and discomfort, thus the name carpel tunnel syndrome. When surgery is performed, it is done to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.
The surgery is a simple procedure only requiring twilight anesthesia. The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the patient's palm; he/she then cuts the transverse carpel ligament to ease the pressure that has built up on the median nerve. This creates more room for the other ligaments and eases the pain for the patient. There is a two to six week recovery period during which the ligament heals and scars over.
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.
Relieving carpal tunnel syndrome can be a tough choice, especially when surgery may seem to fix the issue very quickly. However, you cannot be guaranteed that the results will last and that something else won't go wrong in your hands and wrist. But with a little forethought, you can might the decision that is right for you.
As diagnosed cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are on the rise, so too are the number of surgeries being performed in an effort to cure it and relieve the pain experienced by the sufferer. If you have found yourself in this untenable situation, understanding what is involved in this type of surgery may assist you in making an informed decision.
Your hands, fingers and wrists are able to perform the motions they do because of the nerves and ligaments that run through them. They are hard at work when you are. But when they are overworked, the median nerve in your wrist may become compressed. Repetitive motion causes the transverse carpel ligament to tighten creating pressure and discomfort, thus the name carpel tunnel syndrome. When surgery is performed, it is done to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.
The surgery is a simple procedure only requiring twilight anesthesia. The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the patient's palm; he/she then cuts the transverse carpel ligament to ease the pressure that has built up on the median nerve. This creates more room for the other ligaments and eases the pain for the patient. There is a two to six week recovery period during which the ligament heals and scars over.
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.
Relieving carpal tunnel syndrome can be a tough choice, especially when surgery may seem to fix the issue very quickly. However, you cannot be guaranteed that the results will last and that something else won't go wrong in your hands and wrist. But with a little forethought, you can might the decision that is right for you.
About the Author:
The pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can make people desperate enough to take drastic measures in trying to ease their pain. Find out what doctors already know about carpal tunnel surgery that they might not tell you. There are alternatives!
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