Following are the common questions about Carpal Tunnel:
A. Carpal tunnel is present in the wrist and is formed by the carpal bones (present on the bottom of the wrist) and the transverse carpal ligament ( present on the top of the wrist). The median nerve is responsible for providing sensory and motor functions to the thumb and middle fingers. In simple words, the median vein allows sensation, feeling, and movement to the hand. If the median nerve gets compressed or injured, the patient may experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
A. Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as CTS, is a condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve of the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to symptoms like a tingling sensation, weakness, numbness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers ( thumb, index finger, and middle finger).
A. Common symptoms of CTS usually include-
A. Injury to the wrist while slipping or falling and overuse and repetitive movements of the wrist are the most common reasons behind CTS. However, CTS is also common in pregnant females and typically resolves after pregnancy. Many people get carpal tunnel syndrome due to extensive use of a computer mouse or laptop which places a lot of stress on the wrist and the median nerve.
A. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are typically the worst at night. CTS affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and wearing wrist splint while sleeping is often recommended to manage CTS at night.
A. You can prevent CTS by-
A. Your orthopedic or hand doctor will discuss your symptoms, lifestyle and will check your medical history, followed by a physical examination of the hand. Your doctor may recommend that you have diagnostic tests like electrodiagnostic tests as they are the optimum way to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. Electrodiagnostic tests stimulate the muscles and nerves in the hand to see how well they are functioning.
A. The onset of carpal tunnel syndrome can range from a few days to several months or years, depending on the cause and severity. Many people who are involved in the repetitive wrist and hand use develop CTS at different rates, depending on the nature of their job or work.
A. Carpal tunnel syndrome can often be cured with surgery. People who have severe and prolonged CTS can find relief with carpal tunnel release surgery. Surgery can treat symptoms and stop the condition from getting worse.
A. Adding foods that prevent or fight inflammation may help reduce symptoms or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome-
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If home remedies are not helpful in treating CTS, you should consider meeting an orthopedic specialist doctor.
A. Mild carpal tunnel syndrome typically responds well to conservative treatments such as:
Surgery for CTS is recommended when patients are unable to find relief from several non-sugical treatment options. Carpal tunnel release surgery is an outpatient procedure done under anesthesia.
A. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery is a less invasive endoscopic surgery. During the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon inserts an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera attached) through a tiny incision in the palm.
A. Open carpal tunnel release surgery is the traditional method involving an incision (around 2 inches from the wrist to the palm) to the wrist and can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
A. Complications after CTS surgery generally do not occur. However, as with any surgery, there are always some risks involved. Patients should educate themselves regarding the risks and complications of the procedure to become fully aware. Common complications after occur after CTS surgery are:
You should call your doctor right away if you notice any complications after your carpal tunnel surgery.
A. The average cost of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery is Rs 40,000 to 60,000.
A. Yes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition that can highly affect lifestyle, health, and quality of life. Most health insurance providers and plans cover the cost of carpal tunnel release surgery.
A. Carpal tunnel release surgery is very successful and most patients find relief from symptoms. However, due to lifestyle or other factors, some patients might develop CTS again after surgery. The recurrence rate of carpal tunnel syndrome after surgery is less than 5%.
A. Delaying carpal tunnel surgery can worsen the condition, increase complications and might also affect the success rate and outcomes of the treatment. Undergoing surgery in time can increase your chances of restoring maximum hand functioning as it was before the condition developed.
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