Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition that causes pain and numbness in the hand because of a pinched median nerve in the wrist. One of the ways to treat and remove the symptoms associated with this condition may be carpal tunnel release surgery. This procedure could reduce or completely remove the symptoms in your hands by removing the pressure placed on the median nerve in your wrist.
While carpal tunnel syndrome can be a debilitating condition, mild cases of the condition may often be treated using medication. If your symptoms are not reduced or healed with the use of medication or physical therapy after at least six months, then carpal tunnel release surgery may be your only option to alleviate the pain. Prior to having the surgery, we encourage patients to stop using anything that can prevent your blood from properly clotting.
There are different methods of performing carpal tunnel release surgery. Although the different methods allow the surgeon to get access to the wrist in different ways, they are essentially the same procedure once this access is achieved. Once the wrist is accessible, the surgeon works to enlarge the carpal tunnel. This may help to reduce the pressure placed on the median nerve and provide more room for the nerves and tendons in your wrist to function.
Most patients are able to go home after a brief observation period. Your wrist may remain in a heavy bandage or splint for approximately two weeks following the surgery. You may begin a therapy treatment program once the bandage or splint is removed. This therapy can help to improve the movement of your wrist and hand while also speeding up the healing process.
Everyone responds differently to carpal tunnel release surgery, so it may take you a few months to become fully healed. You may experience moderate discomfort in your hand and wrist during the recovery process, but this could be reduced with medication. Recovery may take longer for someone that suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome for an extended period of time. Since your median nerve was compressed for so long, it may take extra time for your body to adjust after the carpal tunnel release surgery.
To see if you are a candidate for carpal tunnel release surgery, schedule a consultation with Mr. Salerno at Real Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. Our office is located in Moonee Ponds, and we happily serve the Melbourne and surrounding areas. Contact us today to book your appointment to learn more.
