If you have ever suffered from this you will know how painful it can be. Please keep reading to find out what help is available.
What is it?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition, causing pain, numbness, and sometimes tingling in the hand and arm. This pain can be intense, traveling up your arm into your shoulder. You may experience weakness in your hand. This condition occurs when the median nerve becomes squeezed or compressed as it travels through your wrist. In most patients, this can worsen over time so early diagnosis and treatment is very important.
What causes it?
There can be a number of factors. Simply being older or female increases the risk. Other influencers are hereditary, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid imbalance. Additionally, repetitive hand use can cause aggravation and swelling around the nerve. Lastly, pregnancy may also trigger carpal tunnel syndrome.
Confirmation of CTS is done by medical history alongside various tests. X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI can assist diagnosis, alongside a physical test called a Tinel’s test.
Treatments
These range from non-surgical to surgical.
Firstly, non-surgical options.
Medication, non-steroidal such as Diclofenac or Celecoxib may help by reducing the swelling. Also, corticosteroid injections directly into the area may help. Unfortunately, these are only effective in the short term.
Bracing or splinting may be beneficial. By keeping your wrist in a neutral position you can reduce pressure on the nerve. Splints may be worn both night and day.
Adapting how you use your hands, for example by putting less repetition on them, may help.
Secondly, surgical treatments.
If you’ve tried the above methods without success, then surgical intervention may be needed.
There are 2 types of surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. There is the ‘open release’ procedure. This is a small 1.5 inch incision from the palm towards the wrist. The surgeon then gently divides the transverse carpal ligament (the roof of the carpal tunnel) thereby increasing the size of the tunnel and reducing the pressure.
The second option is the ‘endoscopic carpal tunnel release’. This is where 2 smaller incisions are made to allow a miniature camera to be passed along inside. Then with a good view, the surgeon can use a fine endoscopic knife to divide that carpal ligament, similar to the previous method.
Both surgeries are approximately 30 minutes in duration and are done on a day case basis. Our orthopedic doctor in Brooksville, Dr. Tarbishy, will discuss with you the preferred option. Recovery time can be around several weeks to 2-3 months dependant on swelling reducing.
There is no need to suffer anymore, get in touch with someone who can help you.
The best doctor for Carpal Tunnel Surgery in Brooksville?
Regardless of whether you need major joint surgery or hand surgery, it’s important to choose someone with the right expertise in that area. Dr. Tarabishy has carried out many of these operations. Visit tarabishyorthopedics.com to see patient testimonials describing their experiences and results.
Dr. Tarabishy is an orthopedic specialist in Brooksville Florida. He’s also one of the leading orthopedic doctors in Hernando County. He has over 30 years of experience in orthopedics. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. As well as his surgical skills he is known for treating his patients in a very holistic way, being a recipient of several ‘Compassionate Doctor Recognition’ certificates. He is also multi-lingual, speaking fluent Spanish, French, Arabic, and English.
With years of experience and training under our belt, we are committed to providing our patients with the best services. We will guide you through the assessment, surgery, and rehabilitation process, so you are assured of a full recovery.
Visit our Tarabishy Orthopedic clinic or contact us today if you have any questions. To learn what options best suit your medical needs, feel free to book an appointment or call us at 352 596 8558.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
