Carpal tunnel syndrome: Common symptoms and advice for getting help
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very common condition that affects a wide variety of individuals. The primary symptoms of carpal tunnel are numbness/tingling in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. There can also be pain in the fingers, hand and wrist that may extend up the forearm. The symptoms can occur at varying times however they are most commonly experienced at nighttime. Activities such as riding a bicycle, motorcycle or even driving a car can bring on the symptoms.
Do
- seek medical attention from you primary care physician or qualified hand surgeon
- ask questions regarding your symptoms
- recognize there are options before surgery
- evaluate the severity of nerve compression
- understand necessary recovery time
Don't
- ignore the symptoms
- rush it
- sweat it
- prolong your discomfort
- have preconceived notions about surgery
Do seek medical attention from you primary care physician or qualified hand surgeon
A medical professional can go over your symptoms, explain the problem, and make recommendations to you regarding the early treatment of carpal tunnel as well as discuss referral to a hand specialist if necessary.
Do ask questions regarding your symptoms
You have a choice when faced with this problem and the only way to make an informed decision is to ask questions. Do your research and come prepared to ask any questions you feel are relevant to your care.
Do recognize there are options before surgery
Non-surgical management primarily consists of splinting and cortisone injections. These often provide temporary relief for you. Do try nonoperative measures before proceeding with surgery. Options such as physical therapy and acupuncture have given some patients relief of their symptoms.
Do evaluate the severity of nerve compression
Your physician will make recommendations to you regarding the need to evaluate the severity of nerve compression. Nerve conduction studies allow pre-surgical assessment of how much damage to the nerve has been sustained. The nerve study is also helpful to the surgeon to give the patient the best advice regarding the expected outcome following surgical decompression.
Do understand necessary recovery time
Be sure to have a discussion with your surgeon regarding expected recovery time following surgery. Newer endoscopic methods provide the same results as the open technique with a much shorter recovery time for those wishing to get back to work and sporting activities quickly.
Do not ignore the symptoms
It is important to understand that ignoring the symptoms for prolonged periods of time can result in permanent nerve damage. Timing of surgery varies depending on the duration and severity of symptoms. There are times when the nerve compression is so severe that surgery will prevent further damage to the nerve but may not change the symptoms, in other words don’t wait too long.
Do not rush it
If surgery is the answer, the process to get back to work is quick compared to other surgeries – that doesn’t mean you should push the boundaries before you’re ready. Often patients with desk type jobs can return to work in three to five days and those in heavy manual labor return in three weeks. This is the main advantage of the endoscopic technique.
Do not sweat it
The minimally invasive endoscopic technique is an outpatient procedure done under light sedation that is quick and painless. The transverse carpal ligament is seen directly with the endoscope on a TV screen and complete decompression of the nerve can be visualized. A single stitch closes the incision and immediate finger motion is initiated. Patients can drive the next day and are able to type on a computer the next day as well.
Do not prolong your discomfort
Splinting, particularly at night, will help you sleep better and give you time to seek medical attention. Understand that following surgery, no splints will be necessary and patients will sleep better the night after they have surgery.
Do not have preconceived notions about surgery
Let a qualified hand surgeon discuss the surgical options with you. Too often people get advice from friends and family that aren’t entirely accurate. In my experience if the surgery is done with the proper indications there should be some form of relief in every patient.
Summary
Carpal Tunnel is a very common condition and the most important thing is to consult with a qualified hand surgeon or your primary care physician. That way they can assess the severity of your pain and whether or not you need surgery.
