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Posts Tagged ‘carpal tunnel treatment’

Do you have a burning sensation in your wrists or forearms? Do you type all day long until your fingers feel week and dysfunctional? Are you a construction worker who hammers all day long and have pains in your elbow? If so, these symptoms could be the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome. For those who suffer from it, you understand the chronic pain and frustration that go along with the condition, and you’ll do just about anything to get some relief even if that means surgery.

Surgery should only be used in the most extreme cases, when all other treatments have failed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the median nerve becoming compressed. At the point where the transverse carpal ligament binds together the ligaments of the arm is where the median nerve becomes compressed. This is caused by the stress on the nerve by repetitive motion, and the hardening of the soft tissues in the hand.

It could be worth having surgery if nothing else has worked up to this point. Many who type at the keyboard, throw a baseball or work construction for a living cannot afford to be down for too long. For them, surgery may be an option but the recuperation time can be longer than 6 weeks. The cost itself is incredibly price, upwards of $10,000! That’s right, you need some serious medical insurance to cover that bill.

Even though it is expensive, the surgery is considered a light surgery. A twilight anesthetic can be used, and the surgery is very un-invasive. But due to the fact that the hand is a very complex and delicate part of the body, healing takes a long time. Also, any surgery carried risks with it, so you need to be careful when considering whether you will have this surgery, and who will perform it.

With this surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is severed. Completely cutting this ligament instantly releases the pressure on the median nerve. Even though the patient can gain instant relief from this, the healing process will take a long time and you may be out of work for quite some time. Once healed, your hands and wrists should have less discomfort, and better motion. It should be kept in mind that there can be a loss of strength in your hands after the surgery.

With the risk and cost of the surgery, you will probably be glad to know that there are other ways to relieve your symptoms. There are many simple exercises you can find online or through a physical therapist that will relax the transverse carpal ligament. This will relieve pressure on the median nerve. Another thing you can do is to have your hands massaged. This will prevent tension in the soft tissues of the hand. Good posture and ergonomics while at work will also help keep pressure off your arms and hands.

More people are turning to treatments other than surgery to help with their carpal tunnel symptoms. Stretches, exercise, and massage are all things that are easily done, and that will improve how you feel day by day. Surgery should really be the last resort, because it doesn’t improve the situation in everyone’s case.