Our hands are one of the primary ways we interact with the physical world around us. It can be difficult to pick anything up or do the activities you love if you cannot completely use your hands. There are many injuries and conditions that can limit the use of your hands. One of the most common is carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition in the wrist that affects the strength and range of motion in your hands. Medical professionals can treat carpal tunnel syndrome with different techniques, such as physical therapy or medication. However, in many cases, orthopedic surgery is the best treatment option.
When do you need carpal tunnel surgery?
Your doctor can examine your wrist to decide if surgery is the right treatment. This examination will include a review of your symptoms, medical history, physical activities, and any necessary imaging tests.
Your doctor may recommend carpal tunnel surgery if:
- You’ve had pain for longer than six months.
- You have long-lasting numbness and tingling.
- You have difficulty holding and grabbing objects.
- You have tried conservative treatments and not found relief.
Are there different kinds of carpal tunnel surgery?
Orthopedic surgeons are skilled in different kinds of surgeries to address carpal tunnel syndrome. The kind of surgery you need will depend on the severity and cause of your carpal tunnel pain.
Orthopedic carpal tunnel surgery can be broken down into two categories:
- Open surgery — If the symptoms of your carpal tunnel syndrome are severe or if there are signs of nerve damage, orthopedic surgeons may perform open surgery. In open surgery, the objective is to cut the transverse carpal ligament to remove pressure off the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.
- Endoscopic surgery — In cases where the pain or risk of damage is not too severe, orthopedic surgeons may perform minimally endoscopic surgery. This is a preferable option when available because it does not require large incisions to access the transverse carpal ligament.
The objective of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is similar to that of open surgery. The surgeon is aiming to make a cut along the transverse carpal ligament to relieve tension and reduce pressure off the carpal tunnel.
Visit iRISE Spine and Joint for orthopedic carpal tunnel surgery
If you’ve tried treating carpal tunnel pain with conservative treatments and they’re not working, you may need carpal tunnel surgery. Our surgeons at iRISE Spine and Joint can examine your wrist and determine which kind of surgery is right for you. Contact us today to talk to one of our patient care coordinators about orthopedic surgery or to schedule an initial appointment.
