Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can affect anyone; however, there are certain factors that predispose individuals to it, such as genetics, repetitive manual labor, other conditions like hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, perimenopause, and a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome, among others.
What symptoms does a person with carpal tunnel syndrome experience?
The most common symptom is numbness in the fingers, from the thumb to the ring finger. Less frequently, radiating pain may occur, extending from the hand to the forearm, which can feel like an electric shock. A combination of hand pain and numbness, weakness, or a swollen feeling may also be present.
Typically, people who experience these symptoms significantly limit their daily activities due to fear of dropping things, being unable to carry anything heavy, or the pain they experience either during the day or in the early morning.
When should you consult a specialist?
Tingling in the fingers or hands should be considered the most important symptom and reason to consult a specialist, because nerve deterioration is progressive and cumulative, even becoming irreversible.
Is carpal tunnel syndrome a condition that always requires surgery?
Initially, a specialized test called electromyography is performed to determine the severity of nerve damage. The results of this test determine whether the person requires surgery or can manage the condition with non-surgical treatment such as night splints, stretching exercises, and nerve and tendon gliding exercises.
If there is nerve damage, what does the surgery involve?
There are two techniques for decompression or release of the carpal tunnel:
- Open surgery: with a 2,5 cm incision in the palm of the hand and through direct vision the ligament that compresses the nerve is cut.
- Endoscopic surgery: Through a 1 cm incision on the front of the wrist (outside the hand), a camera and a special instrument are inserted to cut only the ligament. This technique makes the surgery last approximately seven minutes.
What are the advantages of endoscopic surgery?
The endoscopic technique produces much less pain, reduces the time of disability, the return to daily activities is faster and the aesthetic result is more favorable for the patient.
La Fundación Valle del Lili The center specializes in Hand Surgery and has a team of surgeons trained to operate on patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand conditions or injuries. The results of endoscopic surgery have been satisfactory in 95% of patients, who have experienced a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life after the procedure.
What happens if carpal tunnel syndrome is not operated on?
Irreversibly damaged median nerve causes permanent anesthesia and loss of sensation in the area it innervates, as well as atrophy of muscles important for gripping and grasping. Therefore, do not be afraid of surgery. People should overcome their fear of surgery to avoid further damage. Fundación Valle del Lili This procedure is safe, with a high degree of patient satisfaction and a minimal percentage of complications.
