Carpal tunnel is a small narrow passage in the wrist. The base and side of carpal tunnel is formed of tiny carpal bones. The top of the tunnel comprises of strong ligament. Tendons and median nerve pass through carpal tunnel to provide movement and sensation in fingers and palm. The movement of finger is controlled by tendons; they help to bend and straighten the fingers. The median nerve provides sensation to thumb, and first three fingers.
Inflammation of tendons causes more narrowing of the tunnel. As a result the median nerve passing through it gets compressed giving rise to group of symptoms called carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery Procedure
The main aim of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve the patient from severe pain and neurological deficit if any by increasing the size of tunnel. Surgical goal is to reduce pressure on median nerve and tendons which pass through the tunnel.
During the surgery, an incision is made at the base of palm.
Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is performed under local anesthesia. Most often patient does not have to stay in the hospital. After the surgery patient may have mild pain for a period of 2 to 3 days. Sometimes it may take one or two weeks. Patient should try to avoid doing any heavy and laborious work with the operated hand for at least 3 months.
This may also depend whether the hand involved is dominant. If it is a dominant hand, try to avoid working or doing repetitive work for 3 months. If the hand is non dominant, you can resume your daily activities in one or two weeks.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery Time
The recovery for carpal tunnel syndrome after the surgery depends on many factors. Patient’s age, severity of the condition, general health and the period of prolonged condition are to be considered during the recovery stage. In some patients pain and tingling numbness may soon vanish after the surgery. In others it may take considerable time for the symptoms to be relieved.
Recovery time may prolong if patient has begun doing his routine work with the operated hand soon after the surgery. Proper rest to the affected hand is much needed. Many patients undergoing carpal tunnel surgery recover completely in few months after the surgery. All their symptoms are relieved.
Recovery period is generally quicker with endoscopic surgery as compared to open surgical incision. Physical therapy after surgery also helps to speed up the recovery period. Start physiotherapy exercises of wrist as recommended by the therapist. In some patients the scar remains tender even after 6 months.
What To Expect After Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Here are few important points that should be expected after carpal tunnel surgery.
- Most people recover completely after the surgery.
- There are very few cases of treatment failure. This may include if there are any complications; damage to the nerve with tingling and numbness. Infection after the surgery.
- Some patients may complain of stiffness and loss of strength after surgery for few days to few months.
- If carpal tunnel syndrome has prevailed for more than 3 to 4 years or if the condition is severe, relief may not be complete.
- Pain around the palm area may last for few months or one year.
- Recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome after surgery is unusual; however, it may occur in very few patients.