Carpal Tunnel Release
Do you experience strange tingling sensations in your palms, thumbs, or middle fingers? Do you notice sharp pains in your wrists when you do certain movements? If this sounds familiar, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.
This condition is caused when excessive pressure is placed on the median nerve, which is located in your forearm. In many cases, you can ease the pressure by performing wrist friendly exercises, using posture efficient work equipment such as specialized keyboards or wrist pads, or wearing wrist braces while you sleep or work.
While these non-medical methods work well for many, unfortunately, they're not cure alls. Have you tried everything your doctor has told you, to no avail? If you are still experiencing numbness, pain, or clumsiness after all other methods have failed, it may be time to consider carpal tunnel release surgery.
Carpal tunnel release surgery is fast and simple?in most cases, the patient is allowed to leave the hospital after a few hours. Essentially, it involves the doctor creating an incision along the underside of the wrist or the palm to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. You are given an anesthetic beforehand, which wears off a few hours after the procedure.
Once the carpal tunnel release surgery is over, you may experience chills or nausea from the medication administered. These side effects typically don't last for long. Patients are allowed to recover in a special room for a few hours until their transportation arrives. As you recover, it is highly recommended that you wear wrist braces. This will ensure that your sutures don't break.
However, it's not a good idea to keep your hands completely immobilized. Be sure to spend a few minutes each day gently flexing your fingers and wrists to aid in circulation. Strengthening the muscles and tendons around the area will help the incision to heal. However, as you recover from your carpal tunnel release surgery, be sure not to strain yourself too much. If you experience any lingering side effects from the medication or feel excessive pain in your wrists or hands, contact your doctor immediately.
As with any surgery, however, there are risks involved, including infection and nerve damage. Discuss with your doctor today whether or not carpal tunnel release surgery is ideal for you. In doing so, you may finally come across the procedure you need to finally banish the crippling effects of this condition. Learn more about carpal tunnel release surgery today!
