Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an issue in the wrist where the median nerve is “pinched” at the wrist. It causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm, hand, and fingers. The wrist has an area called the carpal tunnel that houses the median nerve and 9 tendons, and allows them to pass into the hand. When the swelling gets too great, it causes pressure on this median nerve and causes the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
There are a variety of treatments available to help with carpal tunnel, and surgery is the last option. There are medications and steroid injections to reduce inflammation, braces to align the wrist properly, and changes to lifestyle and work habits that can eliminate the problem entirely. However, that’s not what we’re talking about today. We’re going to explain how the surgery works to correct it.
During surgery, the ligament that forms the roof of the tunnel on the palm of the hand is cut back, which relieves the pressure on the nerve. The exact placement of the incision can vary by where the impingement lies, but the goal always is to relieve pressure on the nerve itself.
The surgery relieves the numbness and tingling, but the time for recovery varies. Severe cases may not see the entire issue disappear, but nearly all surgeries result in relief.
If you have any of these symptoms, please call Neuropax Clinic in St. Louis at 314-434-7784 to make an appointment and read more about us at www.neuropaxclinic.com to learn how we can help you.
