Hand Surgery Northwest Indiana

Carpal tunnel happens when the nerve that runs from the forearm to the hand, the median nerve, becomes pressed or damaged. The median nerve is responsible for sensations that are felt in the palm side of the thumb and fingers, minus the little finger, and it is also controls impulses to some of the small muscles that allow the fingers and thumb to move. There are many interesting causes of the condition, but the most interesting fact is that little data supports the theory that repetitive motions of the same tendons cause CTS.

Thus things such as writer’s cramp, sprains, bursitis and tendonitis are more likely to be the results of repetitive motion, and if you are having pain issues with your hand, you will want to get a second opinion on a diagnosis before undergoing any major therapy or hand surgery. The most qualified person to deal with the possible diagnosis and treatment is a hand surgeon, and if you agree that you have true CTS, then a surgeon will most likely begin treatment with non-surgical intervention before suggesting surgery.

The first attempt at relief will be prescription drugs. There are many anti-inflammatory medicines that can ease the swelling that if putting the pressure on the median nerve. Sometimes, ever diuretics can minimize swelling enough that the condition is relieved; however, if drugs are not one-hundred percent successful, then a rigid therapy routine will be suggested. A hand surgeon together with a physical therapist will design a circuit of strengthening and stretching exercises is an effort to regain use of the hand.

If symptoms last for six months or more, then surgical intervention enters the realm of possibility; there are two common carpal tunnel release surgeries that deal with CTS:Open release hand surgery is the traditional or more common corrective operation during which a two inch cut is made in the wrist. The carpal ligament is then cut in order to enlarge the carpal tunnel. This, barring complications, is done under local anesthetic and on an outpatient basis.

Endoscopic surgery is generally done for the sheer convenience of speedier recovery. During this procedure, the surgeon make two incisions of about one half inch—one in the wrist and one in the palm. A camera is used to find the carpal ligament and snip it relieving the pressure that is causing the symptoms. This is also performed under local anesthesia and if very effective for those wishing to have minimal scarring.

Those prone to the condition, although they will receive relief from hand surgery and subsequent physical or occupational therapy, will need to consider the possibility of adjusting job duties both during and after recovery.