Those who have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome may have learned to live with the pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling it can cause. For some, carpal tunnel symptoms go away without surgical intervention. But for others, the symptoms only get progressively worse. If you’re still suffering despite conservative treatment methods, you may benefit from carpal tunnel surgery.
Why You Should Get a Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the pinched median nerve in the hand and wrist. For this reason, it is called a release surgery. The surgery is either an “open” or endoscopic release surgery. If you are a good candidate for the latter, take it. It is minimally invasive, has fewer risks, reduced pain, and faster healing.
Another benefit of carpal tunnel surgery is your recovery plan will include physical therapy sessions. A physical therapist can teach you area-specific exercises that can restore your hand function, range of movement, as well as reduce your pain.
Many carpal tunnel surgery patients have positive outcomes with endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery combined with physical therapy.
When To Consider Carpal Tunnel Surgery
The decision to have carpal tunnel surgery should be at the recommendation of an orthopedic surgeon. Initially, any doctor will want you to try conservative treatment methods to see if your symptoms respond to them. Surgery is almost always the last resort after steroids, splints, and anti-inflammatory medication.
The challenging thing about carpal tunnel surgery is that if you delay it or if your condition is severe, surgery may not even completely eliminate your symptoms. The nerve damage has been done and becomes permanent.
Endoscopic Release Carpal Tunnel Surgery
With the advancement in carpal tunnel surgery, surgeons can now perform surgery endoscopically. The procedure is minimally invasive, which means the incision will be very small, like a buttonhole. With a surgery incision so small, there is less bleeding and a reduced risk of infection. And since less surrounding tissue is disturbed, there will be less pain after surgery. With minimal trauma, patients typically recover fast after endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery – especially compared to the more traditional, open procedures.
After your carpal tunnel surgery, you should be able to resume non-manual-labor work and the physical activities you enjoy. However, be sure to follow your orthopedic surgeon’s post-op instructions. When treated early, carpal tunnel surgery offers patients great results.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery in Watertown, New York
The North Country Orthopaedic Group is a multispecialty orthopedic practice that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries. Our practice brings together every aspect of treatment under one roof. Your comfort and convenience matter to us, which is why we have made sure our surgical center is in the same facility as our physical therapy center.
We strive for excellence and see to it that you receive the best treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, from open release surgery to endoscopic release surgery. But first, we have to make sure which procedure is right for you. For a full evaluation, please call the North Country Orthopaedic Group at (315) 782-1650 or request an appointment now.
