One of the most common reasons for hand pain stems from compression of the median nerve as it passes through a channel in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Formed by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand, the carpal tunnel is tight for space, making it easy to compress and irritate nerve tissue.
The hand, wrist, and elbow specialists at 360 Orthopedics frequently treat the resulting condition, called carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In some cases, CTS requires surgery to eliminate chronic nerve compression. Let’s look at both the condition and the situations in which you might need surgery.
The median nerve supplies sensory and motor function to the palm of the hand and all fingers except the baby finger. Any condition or injury that affects the nerve can cause CTS symptoms.
Wrist fractures or inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis could interfere with the space through which the median nerve normally passes. In some people, genetic history could mean a narrower than normal nerve passageway through the wrist.
In many cases, though, there’s no single cause for CTS. Instead, a range of factors combine to cause the nerve condition.
Women are more susceptible to CTS than men, as are people with chronic illnesses that cause nerve damage, like diabetes. Your job and/or hobbies can require repeated motions of the hands and wrists that cause the collapse of the carpal tunnel, which can press on the median nerve directly or combine with other contributing factors.
Obesity, medications, and retaining fluids are other common risk factors for CTS.
CTS usually responds well to conservative, soft tissue treatments, particularly if it’s new and in the early stages. These treatments include therapies such as exercise, splints, and corticosteroid injections.
Surgery won’t be considered until several conservative techniques have been tried with little or no improvement or when symptoms get worse. The most common surgical approach for CTS is a procedure called carpal tunnel release.
The surgical solution for CTS focuses on the transverse carpal ligament, a tough band of connective tissue that forms the “roof” of the carpal tunnel. The ligament has a section removed to create more space to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Carpal tunnel release can be done as an open surgery or an endoscopic procedure, which usually speeds recovery over open techniques. In either case, carpal tunnel release is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
When you suffer from CTS, visit us at 360 Orthopedics to learn the latest about your condition. We’ll confirm your diagnosis and, if necessary, develop a treatment plan that includes surgery.
Call our nearest office to schedule your consultation today.
