Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a numbing sensation felt in the wrist or arm that can be so aggressive as it persists that it might require a surgical treatment. Median Nerve Compression is caused because of wrist anatomy, that is affected by patterns of arms/hand use, or other health conditions that might make the hand muscles weak.  

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be described as a median nerve compression that causes tingling and numbness in the arm or the hand of the patient due to a pinched nerve that is pressed in the wrist. Usually, surgery is not required for the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome unless the nerve is impaired or damaged because of the pressure put on it due to the compression. It is a widespread condition that affects over 30 million people around the world. 

Diagnosis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome doesn’t require a physical or image radiation test to be diagnosed as it symptoms are unique which can be easily recognized. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Key symptoms of this condition include persistent pain in the arm and hand with a numbing or tingling sensation. However, some people affected by median nerve compression can also experience the following:

•    Acute Pain - Wrist, Arms, Forearm

•    The feeling of Needles or pins digging in the skin

•    Hand Clumsiness

•    Weakness in Hand and Wrist

•    Swelling

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is mostly caused due to nerve damage. Patient with this syndrome tends to have weak muscles and nerves in their wrist that can lead to persistent pain and numbness. The root cause of nerve compression hasn’t been found, but these are the following factors that might lead to it.

• Weak Arm Muscles
• Inflexible muscles
• No stretching or Exercise in Routine
• Unhealthy Lifestyle
• Participating in activities that put pressure on the median nerve.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery Procedure

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery is performed for relieving the pressure from the nerve that is being compressed while it passes through the wrist. 

Open Surgery – is performed by making an inch or two long incisions on the palm. Now, this incision is used for dividing the subcutaneous tissue and skin tissue, followed by transverse carpal ligament and palmar fascia. 

Nonsurgical Procedures Include:

• Stretching Exercises – can help in improving the flexibility and physical function of the patient.
• Self-care (Ice Packs and Rest)

Ice packs can help in reducing swelling, dull sensations of pain and inflammations while resting can help in relieving the pain by promoting healing.

Medications

• Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – work as pain relievers, helping in reducing fever and inflammation.
• Steroids – stimulates and modifies hormone effects boosting repair and tissue growth. 

After the Procedure

The hand is wrapped after the surgery to protect the incision from getting infected. After one or weeks of the operation, the stitches are removed. The patient will be able to experience instant relief in pain right after the surgery. The patient should avoid lifting any heavy object or putting any pressure on their hands for three months after the surgery.

FAQs

How much time will I take to recover after the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery?

The stitches of the patients are healed and removed with two weeks of the surgery. However, it might take two months for the patients to recover completely, and go back to their routine.

What is the average cost of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery can range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the severity of the patient's case and the medical approach including the instruments that are being used to treat him/her. 

Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery risky?

The risk of Carpal Tunnel Surgery is usually very low. There are only 1 in 100 hundred surgeries where the nerve of the patient is damaged during the operation. There are very slim chances that the tissue or the median nerve will be damaged during the surgery.

Explore Medmonks.com to get medical guidance or to read about any Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery.