A person develops Carpal Tunnel Syndrome when there is a compression of the nerve which travels over the carpal bones near the wrist. Repetitive movement is a significant factor in the development of a carpal tunnel. This condition of the hand and wrist causes pain, tingling, numbness, and a burning sensation. Pain in hand often wakes a person from a sound sleep.
The goal of treatment for carpal tunnel is to restore normal function of the hand and wrist and alleviate pain issues. There are no risks when the person decides to use natural healing options to eliminate carpal tunnel pain.
Natural Pain Relief
- Chiropractic care
- Using a wrist splint
- Physical therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Avoid repetitious movements of the affected hand
- Ultrasound
- Hand and wrist exercises such as stretching and rang-of-motion
- NSAIDS to relieve pain and inflammation
- Elevate your hand and wrist as much as possible
- Pain relieving ointment
- Keep your hand and wrist warm
- Injections into the hand or wrist
Surgical Options
The doctor considers surgical options for carpal tunnel if all other natural options fail. Doctors now believe a surgical option a last resort for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Surgery decreases the healing time; the carpal tunnel may return; there is a risk of nerve damage, the need for painkillers, and the risk of infection at the incision site.
Endoscopic Surgery
If the doctor opts for an endoscopic surgical procedure, there will be no open incision into the palm. Less area of the hand is disturbed. Some people notice immediate relief of their pain and numbness. Pain relief for others may come in the following weeks or months.
You can expect a shorter recovery period after endoscopic surgery. Thus the person may return to work sooner than after open surgery because the procedure does not require cutting the palm open and disturbing a large area of the hand.
Open Surgery
Open surgery is where the doctor makes an incision across the palm. This procedure requires the person be off from work up to eight weeks.
Both types of surgery can include injury to nerves, tendons, and blood vessels, the risk of infection, anesthesia risk, and prescribed painkiller side effects.
If you’re considering hand or wrist surgery and are looking to speak with an orthopedic surgeon, contact Michigan Hand and Wrist today.