Carpal tunnel syndrome is when there is increased pressure within the wrist on your median nerve – a nerve that provides sensations to the thumb, middle, and index fingers and to half of your ring finger.
If your symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, and tingling in hands and wrist, are severe and hand motions are limited, your orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery as a cure;however, like anyone else, you may want to know your other options before considering surgery.
Let’s talk about your options for carpal tunnel syndrome besides surgery and where you can go to get treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome in Plantation, FL.
Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Typically, for carpal tunnel syndrome that is diagnosed early, nonsurgical treatments are recommended first. These treatments improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and may include:
Wrist Splinting
The tingling and numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome respond well to wrist splints. A wrists splint holds the wrist still at night while you’re asleep and prevent daytime carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Splinting is also a great option to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms for pregnant women who want to avoid medications.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
To combat the pain in the hands and wrists associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, you can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. These drugs provide short-term relief from carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Corticosteroids
Commonly referred to as steroids, corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that your orthopedic doctor may inject into your carpal tunnel to relieve pain. The corticosteroid injection also puts the pressure off from your median nerve by decreasing inflammation and swelling.
Sometimes, corticosteroids are injected under the guidance of an ultrasound.
What Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery is Like
Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, also known as carpal tunnel release, is the last resort of treatment and is aimed at decreasingthe pressure on the median nerve. The surgery can be performed with two techniques:
Endoscopic Surgery
As the name suggests, this type of surgery involves the use of an endoscope – a telescope-like device with a tiny camera attached to it.During the surgery, your orthopedic surgeon makes one or two small cuts in the hand or wrist and cuts the ligament. Your orthopedic surgeon may use an endoscope to cut the ligament.
Endoscopic surgery results in less pain compared to open surgery.
Open Surgery
In open surgery, first, your orthopedic surgeon makes an incision in the palm of the hand over the carpal tunnel. Then, the surgeon cuts through the ligament to free the nerve.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery in Plantation, FL
Have pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and wrist?Visit us here at The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center. Our orthopedic doctor Dr. Tosca Kinchelow is specially trained to diagnose and treat all types of hand and wrist problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Tosca Kinchelow also has extensive surgical experience in performing delicate procedures that are necessary to relieve pain, numbness, and tingling of hands and wrists.
To make an appointment with Dr. Tosca Kinchelow, call our staff today at (954) 635-5300 or use our convenient Request an Appointment form.
