What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Who knew sitting at a desk all day put you at such high risk for injury?

We may all have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, but what is it, and why does it affect so many of us yearly?

Well, carpal tunnel syndrome merely describes a pinched nerve in the wrist. This nerve, the median nerve, causes numbing, tingling weakness and pain when compressed. These symptoms describe carpal tunnel syndrome.

How Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Occur?

Carpal tunnel syndrome comes from a pinching or compression of the median nerve, right? So, typically this compression or pressure comes from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel (a small space in your wrist through which the median nerve runs) smaller. This typically is caused by constant, repetitive motion of the wrist, especially where your hand is lower than your wrist during the motion. Working at a computer tends to put you at increased risk for carpal tunnel when you spend much of the day with your hand on a mouse, moving it in circles.

Other possible causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and diabetes. These conditions typically cause an undue amount of stress to be put on the wrist and therefore can lead to carpal tunnel with time. Pregnancy may also be a factor in this syndrome, as swelling in the wrists and ankles is common during this time.

How Can I Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is fairly common, and there are many modifications you can make at home and to your lifestyle to combat this condition. If obesity is the cause of your carpal tunnel, we recommend you modify your diet and exercise routine to prevent this and many other health conditions.

If you feel the numbness and pain of carpal tunnel during particular activities, stop these as soon as the pain begins, or incorporate breaks into your routine. Icing for 10-15 minutes a few times per day will help to relieve swelling and therefore pressure on the nerve. Anti-inflammatory drugs and a wrist splint worn at night may also aid in your comfort with carpal tunnel syndrome.

In more serious cases, typically when pain is debilitating and inhibits you from normally carrying out your day, surgery is an option. During this procedure, the transverse carpal ligament would be cut to release compression of the median nerve. The only incision required would be at the base of the hand, and the surgery is fairly simple, but recovery can be slow and you should avoid major use of the hand for 3 months.

To keep carpal tunnel at bay, be sure to maintain healthy diet and exercise habits, be aware of repetitive motions and give your wrists attention through stretches and rest when you feel tired or mild pain.

To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr Thomas at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery on 03 9034 7738.

MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION

Our website is intended to provide general information about hand surgery and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if hand surgery is the right procedure for you. The following considerations should be part of your decision-making process.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry risk. The potential risks and complications associated with hand surgery include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, nerve damage, stiffness, loss of feeling or movement of the hand or fingers, scarring, and the need for additional surgery. It is important to understand the risks involved and weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of surgery before undergoing hand surgery.

Recovery

Recovery time after hand surgery may vary depending on the individual, the extent of the procedure, and the technique used. In general, patients should be prepared to experience some discomfort, swelling, and limited mobility after surgery. Patients must also be prepared to take time off work and other activities (including exercise) and follow post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Results

Individual results may vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s natural hand structure, the patient’s lifestyle, and the surgical technique employed. It is critical to have realistic expectations about the outcome of hand surgery and understand that each patient’s outcome will be unique. A physical therapy rehabilitation program after hand surgery is often crucial to regain function and  improve range of motion.

If you have any questions or concerns about hand surgery, please do not hesitate to contact us.