What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that results from compression of one of the major nerves (median nerve) of the upper limb as it travels from the forearm down through the wrist and into the hand. Patients seek medical attention when they become weary of the numbness and tingling in their fingertips.

These symptoms may start out as troublesome at night, where it wakes patients from sleep, and as the process gets worse symptoms may become evident throughout the day or with repeated use of the hand(s) while working.

Traditionally, the syndrome is attributed to repetitive heavy use of the hands or wrists and has been called "professional neuritis" or "tailor's neuritis," but it does affect approximately 4-6% of the general population as well for unknown reasons. The condition is also more common in women and in older individuals.

Patients will describe a tingling sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger. This tingling progresses to a burning sensation and patients report having to "shake their hands out" to regain sensation to the fingers over several minutes' time.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Options

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Orange County, CaliforniaTreatment starts with physical therapy and splinting which aims at opening up the canal in the wrist to allow the median nerve to "breathe." If conservative therapy is unsuccessful, patients are referred to surgeons for operative treatment, which involves severing the thick ligament that lies over the nerve in the wrist and palm.

Many patients don't realize that plastic surgeons are also highly trained in surgery of the hand and routinely perform this procedure. We take the same approach with exquisite attention to detail in performing a carpal tunnel nerve release.

Utilizing short -scar and endoscopic techniques, patients get the benefit of a rapid resolution of symptoms, a faster return to work or hobbies, and a smaller, less painful scar.

The endoscopic method is the newest evolution of surgical technique to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. With this short procedure, which is done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with or without IV sedation, a very small cut is made at the base of the wrist and a telescopic camera and mini blade are inserted into the palm.

Utilizing the view from the camera inside, the transverse carpal ligament is cut and the camera removed. In many cases either just one suture or no sutures are needed to close the small access incision.

This approach keeps the incision out of the palm (which is more painful), results in an average shorter time for recovery and return to work, results in a shorter time of recovery of grip strength, and has a much more hidden mini incision placed in a natural crease at the wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery | Irvine, California

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Consultation

If you find yourself waking up at night with painful burning sensation in your hand, make an appointment to see us for treatment. We will give you a thorough exam and work through alleviating your symptoms first with conservative means, and surgery if needed. Recurrence after surgical release is rare and most patients fully recover and are able to return to their previous activities.

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