Does Carpal Tunnel require surgery?
The median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist, is squished in carpal tunnel syndrome. It can result in pain, tingling, numbness, and restriction of some hand movements.
Most of us use our hands virtually every minute of the day without even thinking about it. However, if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, your fingers’ pain, numbness, and tingling will draw your attention. Wrist braces and corticosteroids can assist, but in more complex situations, it will require surgery.
Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome consider surgery only after alternative treatments have failed to offer adequate relief. The flexor retinaculum, a fibrous band on the inside of the wrist, is severed during surgery. The goal is to alleviate pressure on the median nerve.
Although surgery can occasionally eliminate problems permanently, it is not always necessary. Other therapies are typically preferable, mainly if the illness is still in its early stages. In addition, urgent surgery is usually only required to address a rare medical condition known as acute carpal tunnel syndrome.
The Surgical Procedure
First, you’ll be given a shot of a local anaesthetic, which will numb your hand and wrist. You may also be given medication to help you stay calm.
The doctor closes the wounds and wraps a big bandage around your wrist when the operation is finished. It shields your wound while also preventing you from utilising your wrist.
Your doctor and nurses will monitor you for a short while before releasing you to go home. You’ll most likely be discharged from the hospital the same day. Overnight stays are uncommon.
Recovery
You may feel better the day after your operation, but full recovery will take longer. After the procedure, you should expect to experience discomfort, oedema, and stiffness. In addition, you may experience soreness for a few weeks to a few months following surgery.
Apply bandage for 1-2 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe exercises to help you move your fingers and keep them from becoming too stiff. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks to allow the wound to heal. How soon you can return to work will be determined by the type of employment. Three weeks is usually plenty if you don’t strain your wrist at work. People who work with their hands may require 4 to 5 weeks.
To learn more about the surgical treatment for carpal tunnel or any other sports or shoulder related topics, book a consultation with our expert Dr Reetadyuti Mukhopadhya.
