Do you have a burning sensation in your wrists or forearms? Do you type all day long until your fingers feel week and dysfunctional? Are you a construction worker who hammers all day long and have pains in your elbow? If so, these symptoms could be the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome. For those who suffer from it, you understand the chronic pain and frustration that go along with the condition, and you'll do just about anything to get some relief even if that means surgery.
But surgery is extreme, and you really have to think whether it is worth it. The compression of the median nerve, which travels the length of the arm, is the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. There is a point in the wrist where the ligaments of your arm are bound together by the transverse carpal ligament. This point is where the median nerve becomes compressed. The repetitive motions of some jobs and hardening of soft tissues in the hands cause the compression.
If you have had no luck with other treatments, surgery might be your best option to remedy your carpal tunnel syndrome. But if your livelihood depends on your hands being operational, surgery could cause major problems. The recuperation time can be nearly 2 months, or longer in some cases. Plus, carpal tunnel surgery is not cheap. The procedure can cost upwards of $10,000.
The surgery itself is not very difficult and is considered a "light surgery". It can be done with a twilight anesthetic and is as un-invasive as a surgery can be. However, any surgery can be risky no matter where it is. The hand is a delicate part of the body and one should be careful when considering having surgery on it.
With this surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is severed. Completely cutting this ligament instantly releases the pressure on the median nerve. Even though the patient can gain instant relief from this, the healing process will take a long time and you may be out of work for quite some time. Once healed, your hands and wrists should have less discomfort, and better motion. It should be kept in mind that there can be a loss of strength in your hands after the surgery.
With the risk and cost of the surgery, you will probably be glad to know that there are other ways to relieve your symptoms. There are many simple exercises you can find online or through a physical therapist that will relax the transverse carpal ligament. This will relieve pressure on the median nerve. Another thing you can do is to have your hands massaged. This will prevent tension in the soft tissues of the hand. Good posture and ergonomics while at work will also help keep pressure off your arms and hands.
Many people are surprised when they learn of these techniques to relieve carpal tunnel symptoms. So many act like surgery is the only option, and really surgery should not be gotten if it is at all avoidable. Trying less extreme methods before surgery is always a good idea. There have been people who have ended up with worse pain after surgery than they had before.
But surgery is extreme, and you really have to think whether it is worth it. The compression of the median nerve, which travels the length of the arm, is the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. There is a point in the wrist where the ligaments of your arm are bound together by the transverse carpal ligament. This point is where the median nerve becomes compressed. The repetitive motions of some jobs and hardening of soft tissues in the hands cause the compression.
If you have had no luck with other treatments, surgery might be your best option to remedy your carpal tunnel syndrome. But if your livelihood depends on your hands being operational, surgery could cause major problems. The recuperation time can be nearly 2 months, or longer in some cases. Plus, carpal tunnel surgery is not cheap. The procedure can cost upwards of $10,000.
The surgery itself is not very difficult and is considered a "light surgery". It can be done with a twilight anesthetic and is as un-invasive as a surgery can be. However, any surgery can be risky no matter where it is. The hand is a delicate part of the body and one should be careful when considering having surgery on it.
With this surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is severed. Completely cutting this ligament instantly releases the pressure on the median nerve. Even though the patient can gain instant relief from this, the healing process will take a long time and you may be out of work for quite some time. Once healed, your hands and wrists should have less discomfort, and better motion. It should be kept in mind that there can be a loss of strength in your hands after the surgery.
With the risk and cost of the surgery, you will probably be glad to know that there are other ways to relieve your symptoms. There are many simple exercises you can find online or through a physical therapist that will relax the transverse carpal ligament. This will relieve pressure on the median nerve. Another thing you can do is to have your hands massaged. This will prevent tension in the soft tissues of the hand. Good posture and ergonomics while at work will also help keep pressure off your arms and hands.
Many people are surprised when they learn of these techniques to relieve carpal tunnel symptoms. So many act like surgery is the only option, and really surgery should not be gotten if it is at all avoidable. Trying less extreme methods before surgery is always a good idea. There have been people who have ended up with worse pain after surgery than they had before.
About the Author:
Most medical professionals and insurance companies insist on sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome trying alternative methods of treatment in easing their symptoms before trying carpal tunnel surgery. This is because CTS surgery is known for being an unreliable and unpredictable treatment. Learn all you can about natural, non-invasive treatments before considering surgery.
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