Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common but painful condition that can severely affect the way your hands and wrists function. Carpal tunnel syndrome can make it difficult to type at a computer, play your favorite sport or, if severe, can even make it difficult to pick up the lightest of objects. Carpal tunnel surgery aims to provide carpal tunnel sufferers with complete relief from this uncomfortable condition.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the movement and sensation of the wrists, hands, and fingers. It is caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand via the carpal tunnel. Sometimes, due to repetitive activity or injury, tendons in your hand and wrist can swell exerting pressure in the carpal tunnel on the median nerve. This can cause sensations of pain and numbness in the wrist and hand, making the hand and fingers feel weak or asleep.
Carpal tunnel surgery aims to reduce the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome by relieving the pressure that is being exerted upon the median nerve. Known as carpal tunnel release, this surgery involves cutting the tight ligament (transverse carpal ligament) that runs above the carpel tunnel. This reduces the compression of the median nerve by making the carpal tunnel volume larger. It is recommended for those suffering from severe symptoms or symptoms that have not responded to appropriate non surgical care e.g. splints, oral medications, or injections.
There are two main types of carpal tunnel surgery. The open method of surgery involves making a incision in the palm of the hand. The ligament is then accessed through this incision and cut. The endoscopic method of surgery involves making a much smaller incision at the wrist. A small lens and camera are inserted into the incision, allowing the surgeon to locate and cut the ligament. Carpal tunnel surgery helps to provide immediate pain relief and allows patients to regain full use of their hand and fingers. Some studies have shown a more rapid return to work with less pain among patients who had endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery compared to the larger incision traditional open methods. Many patients notice that the first night after their surgery the burning, tingling night pain is gone even though they have post surgical discomfort.
Dr. Savage was trained to do endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery in 1992 and has been offering it to his patients in South Austin for many years.
