Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when inflamed tendons rest on the median nerve of the wrist, and it is estimated that over 400,000 Americans need an operation to recover every year. The main cause of this syndrome is repetitive wrist action, but it can also include poor wrist position or diseases such as diabetes. Symptoms include pain, discomfort, and loss of strength in one’s grip. Though there are nonsurgical treatments, carpal tunnel surgery is the best option if they are to fail. Before having carpal tunnel surgery, it is important to prep correctly. Lehi patients should stop smoking and drinking, as well as stopping medications prone to blood clotting. Try having a big lunch the day before as you will want to stop eating and drinking at least 12 before your surgery. There is more than one type of surgical procedure you can have for carpal tunnel syndrome, those being open tunnel surgery, surgery with a camera, and micro-invasive. An open tunnel involves a two-inch incision down the palm or wrist, exposing the carpal tunnel where the necessary incisions can be made. With a camera, a smaller incision can be made where the camera is inserted, and the surgical tools are used to cut away obstructing tendons. A micro-invasive operation is similar to a surgical procedure with a camera; instead, an ultrasound-guided tool is used with a small retracted knife that makes the incision allowing for quicker recovery time. Since carpal tunnel surgery is an outpatient procedure, Lehi patients can leave the same day. Hands and wrists should remain bandaged for two weeks, and you may be prescribed medication to aid the recovery process. Bandage care, use of ice packs, and physical therapy care are also given to patients. Although surgeries do come with the possibility of complications, carpal tunnel surgery has a success rate of over 90%. Some symptoms may include fever, soreness at the point of operation, and bleeding. Adjacent nerves and tendons have a possibility of being damaged, or carpal tunnel syndrome can reoccur, but both of these are fairly uncommon. Recovery time can vary for each Lehi patient’s surgery. When performed on a dominant hand, recovery time can take longer. Light activities such as driving are possible after a week or even after the operation. Writing can take up two to four weeks, whereas lifting, pulling, and pushing large loads can take about two months without any discomfort. If you are experiencing any discomfort in your wrists or a loss of strength, speak to your Lehi physician, and see if carpal tunnel surgery is right for you.
Advance Sports Orthopedic is the leading clinic for micro-invasive carpel tunnel surgery in Lehi.
