The Down Side of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery
Posted on July 10, 2009
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Many of us have encountered times in our lives when we’ve done repetitive tasks with our hands, whether it was for fun or work. Our hands became stiff and painful. So many jobs now require long periods of time spent on the computer and pointing and clicking is a sure way to increase the odds of experiencing at least a touch of carpal tunnel syndrome.
As diagnosed cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are on the rise, so too are the number of surgeries being performed in an effort to cure it and relieve the pain experienced by the sufferer. If you have found yourself in this untenable situation, understanding what is involved in this type of surgery may assist you in making an informed decision.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. When you involve your hands and wrists in repetitive motions over a long period of time it causes a tightening of the transverse carpel ligament. This ligament encircles the other ligaments that run parallel to one another down your arm. The purpose of carpel tunnel surgery is to lessen the pressure being place on the median nerve by the transverse carpel ligament.
When surgery is performed, the surgeon will make a small incision in the palm of the patient’s hand. It is done under twilight anesthesia and is a simple procedure. The surgeon cuts the transverse carpel ligament and this immediately eases the pressure on the median nerve. The ligament does take time to heal and it normally takes from two to six weeks for a full recovery. This surgery creates more room for the other ligaments and is intended to relieve the pain and pressure the patient has been experiencing.
But is surgery right for you? You probably know that any surgery is risky. With carpel tunnel syndrome surgery, you can’t be entirely sure that the symptoms won’t soon return or that other problems may occur such as loss of strength in your hands or arms. Also, as you are dealing with many small nerves, muscles and ligaments in this area, the outcome is completely unpredictable. And on top of that, the price of carpel tunnel surgery can cost up to $10,000. So, you have to ask yourself if the surgery is worth it to you.
Alternate forms of treatment are often recommended prior to surgery and have a very good success rate. Your doctor may recommend rest and physical therapy as a first option. This is a beneficial step to take even if you do go forward with surgery. A physical therapist can show you how to use your hands and wrists in such a way as to avoid future or additional damage to your carpal tunnel area. The exercises they give you, if performed faithfully, will also loosen the transverse carpal ligament and help you develop strength and flexibility in the afflicted area.
Many people feel that surgery is a quick easy fix for carpal tunnel syndrome. But it may not be as simple as that. In most surgical procedures the risks involved demand careful consideration and carpel tunnel surgery is no exception.
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