We use our hands almost every minute of every day without giving it a second thought. However, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you know all too well the pain, numbness, and tingling that it brings. More severe cases might even call for surgery.
Let’s take a look at carpal tunnel release surgery and the surgeons you can entrust your hands to.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can result from overuse injuries, repetitive motion, sprains or fractures, or a congenital predisposition. It can also be related to pregnancy, diabetes, and arthritis.
When the carpal tunnel is injured or tightened, the swelling of tissues can press on the median nerve. It then leads to the usual symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as numbness, pain, and tingling in the hand. Left untreated, it could result in loss of function. Carpal tunnel release surgery creates more space for the median nerve and tendons, and relieves pressure on the median nerve.
There are two methods of performing the procedure:
- Open carpal tunnel release. The surgeon makes a small cut on the inside of the wrist, then cuts the carpal ligament, reducing the pressure on the median nerve.
- Endoscopic carpal tunnel release. The surgeon makes a small cut on your palm and wrist, inserts a tiny camera (endoscope) for monitoring, and cuts the carpal ligament.
Orthopedic doctors typically recommend carpal tunnel release surgery when non-surgical interventions fail to relieve the pain or if the case is severe. Most people’s symptoms disappear completely after the surgery, but full recovery takes several months.
What Types Of Surgeons Can Perform Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Hand Doctors
Hand surgeons are often orthopedic, plastic, or general surgeons with additional training in hand surgery. They’re trained to deal with problems of the hand, wrist, and forearm with both surgical and non-surgical methods. They can also diagnose and treat shoulder and elbow problems.
Aside from carpal tunnel syndrome, other conditions they can treat are:
- Wrist pain
- Cuts on the hand
- Sports injuries in the hand and wrist
Hand surgeons treat only children, only adults, or both. Since they specialize in hand care, they can effectively diagnose hand disorders, reduce or eliminate pain, and restore mobility and function.
Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the musculoskeletal system – bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles – which are crucial to movement and daily life. Because the specialty is so vast, many subspecialties allow them to diagnose, treat, and prevent specific orthopedic problems. Hand and wrist specialists are an example of a subspecialty.
Some examples of the conditions that orthopedic surgeons treat are:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Bone fractures
- Muscle strains
- Arthritis
- Joint or back pain
- Cerebral palsy
- Scoliosis
- Degenerative diseases
Plastic Surgeons
If you thought cosmetic and plastic surgery were the same, you’re not alone. While often conflated, there is a distinct difference. Cosmetic surgery focuses on the enhancement of appearance. On the other hand, plastic surgery is a surgical specialty for reconstructing facial and bodily problems due to disorders, trauma, burns, or disease. As such, plastic surgeons are qualified to perform carpal tunnel release.
Neurosurgeons
Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system. With their extensive training, knowledge, and experience, they’re able to perform highly complex surgical procedures. They might often be consulted by emergency room doctors, neurologists, internists, and family physicians.
How Do I Find The Right Surgeon?
Now that you know about the surgeons that treat carpal tunnel syndrome, you’ll want to find the best possible surgeon for successful results. To find the right surgeon, you should:
- Gather recommendations and reviews. Ask around with your family, friends, and primary care physician to get a list of candidates.
- Research credentials and experience. Make sure that the surgeon is board-certified and specializes in carpal tunnel release surgery or hand surgery in general.
- Review hospital performance. Both the surgeon and the hospital should be reputable.
- Consult with the surgeon. Ask yourself if the surgeon makes you feel comfortable, respects your opinions, and answers any questions in a way that you understand.
- Check your insurance. Consider a surgeon that participates in your plan.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery In Clinton Township, MI
If you’re struggling with hand and wrist pain, whether due to carpal tunnel syndrome or not, it’s best to consult with your doctor and find out whether you need surgery. Usually, carpal tunnel release surgery works more effectively the earlier it’s performed.
Our skilled, board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Movement Orthopedics are ready to serve your healthcare needs. Dr. Jeffrey Carroll, Dr. Troy Keoni Williams, and Dr. Sebastian Benenati can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems — and carpal tunnel syndrome is no exception.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us at (586) 436-3785, or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you find relief from your hand and wrist pain!
