Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually a result of overuse or repetitive motion in the hand and wrist. However, you may be surprised to hear that it can also be due to pregnancy, obesity, arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid disease.
Anything or any activity that puts constant pressure on the median nerve – which rests in a tunnel in your wrist called the carpal tunnel – can cause carpal tunnel syndrome to develop. It is essentially a form of a pinched nerve, in this case in your wrist. It can result in weakness, numbness, and tingling in your hand.
If you have a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery to treat it. Let’s talk about some of the main factors surrounding this syndrome, and where you can go in Clinton Township and Macomb County for outstanding orthopedic treatment of your wrist pain and hand pain.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Release?
In carpal tunnel release surgery, your doctor will cut through the transverse carpal ligament in your wrist in order to “release” the pressure on your median nerve. This procedure will thereby make more room for your median nerve, which should relieve your symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel release surgery is generally either of these two types:
- Open carpal tunnel release: This is the traditional surgical procedure, where the surgeon will make an incision in your wrist.
- Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: This procedure involves smaller but multiple incisions. A long, thin tube is inserted into the tunnel, and the tube (called an endoscope) has a camera function at the end to enable your surgeon to cut the ligament and release the nerve.
Why Do I Need Carpal Tunnel Release?
Since carpal tunnel release is a form of surgery, your doctor will recommend this treatment if conservative treatments (such as medication and physical therapy) have not worked.
How Effective Is Release Surgery in Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Approximately 88% of patients who have had this surgery have reported experiencing improved symptoms. The surgery is effective at reducing or eliminating hand pain, enabling the patient to regain hand function, and alleviating hand numbness and tingling.
What Are the Risks of Undergoing Carpal Tunnel Release?
Just like any other surgery, potential risks include bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding tissues and structures. Be sure to notify your surgeon of any medications you take, because you may be asked to stop taking a certain medicine briefly before the surgery in order to prevent complications, such as excessive bleeding if you take blood thinners.
Carpal Tunnel Release in Clinton Township, MI
Our medical team at Movement Orthopedics is a group of orthopedic experts who can help you control your pain and stay active. Our hand and wrist specialist, Dr. Troy Keoni Williams, is here to evaluate your hand pain and to provide effective treatment, from pain-relief injections to carpal tunnel release.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Williams, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (586) 436-3785 or by filling out our appointment request form online. We are here to help you find relief once and for all!
