Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal tunnel syndrome?
What may I notice or complain of?
How is it treated?
However before surgery, there are many ways that are used to help relieve symptoms. These include splinting to be worn at nights, anti inflammatory drugs, local steroid injection and advice on a reduction of the activity that worsens the symptoms.
Anaesthesia
This is usually performed under local anaesthesia. It is done as a day case so you can go home the same day.
What to expect post operatively?
The operated hand is placed in a bulky dressing with the fingers free.
You can reduce the dressings in 5 days and place a simple plaster over the area.
Hand therapy is useful and one or two sessions may suffice.
Usually there are no stitches to remove as they fall off themselves after a week.
Sometimes, especially if you had long standing symptoms, there may be residual sensory symptoms that can take up to a few months to completely resolve.
What are some of the problems that may arise?
Infection can occur as with any surgery and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Collection of blood under the skin (haematoma) can occur especially in patients on aspirin or warfarin. It can usually be drained without much difficulty.
The scars may be tender or sensitive. Massage with cream does help and it settles with time.
The heel of the palm may also be uncomfortable (pillar pain).
The grip strength feels weaker for the first few months after surgery
Rarely the symptoms can recur. This will require further investigation and possibly repeat surgery.
Very few patients may react abnormally to surgery and develop a condition called complex regional pain syndrome which can cause pain and stiffness of the fingers. The aim is to detect the early signs and treat it before it becomes a major problem.
Is it caused by work?
The controversies will be discussed at the consultation.