What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
People often feel burning, tingling, or numbness in their hand and wrist, particularly at night or first thing in the morning. Many people often wake at night feeling the need to “shake out” their hand. Additionally, some people experience weakness in their hands and fingers that results in trouble gripping or holding objects.
What are the treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Conservative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include splinting, medications, injections, and stretching exercises. If these treatments are ineffective, surgery is the next step. Many people don’t move forward with surgery because of the risk and recovery time. However, now at the Ovation Hand Institute people that suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome can get immediate relief and have a quick recovery, without an extended time away from work.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The result is pain, numbness and restricted movement in the hand and fingers. It also interferes with sleep quality. It affects a variety of people, most often those who work with their hands in repetitive motions.
Other risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include past fractures and injuries, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. The disorder affects millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, muscles can atrophy, and the effects are often irreversible.
When should I consider surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome?
If you still have symptoms after several weeks to months of non-surgical treatment, you can consider surgery. Additionally, you can consider surgery if your symptoms are severe and restrict your normal daily activities or interfere with your work. Finally, if you have damage to the median nerve or risk of nerve damage, you should consider surgery to prevent further damage.
Do you take insurance?
Yes! We take most major insurance carriers. Please give us a call at (866)506.3477 to confirm your insurance is in-network. We will help you get pre-authorization for the procedure.
What happens if my insurance denies the procedure?
If your insurance company denies the procedure coverage, we will offer our services at a discounted rate. We will work with you to get you the help you need! Additionally, you can continue conservative care of your symptoms, including wearing a wrist brace and perhaps receiving a carpal tunnel steroid injection. We perform the injections at our office as well.
Am I able to get the procedure done on both hands in the same day?
The physicians will evaluate your case either through a physical exam or phone consultation to determine if this is possible, given your specific case.
Can you explain the Ovation ultra-minimally invasive technique?
Absolutely. Instead of cutting the hand and wrist open to view and cut through the carpal ligament, the Ovation Hand Institute utilizes ultrasound technology to guide a piece of thread to cut the carpal ligament. The thread is routed in the hand using a needle with only two small punctures as entry and exit points, and the thread is looped around the ligament and gently makes the cut.
How long does the procedure usually take?
Please plan to be at our clinic for about an hour on the day of the procedure. The procedure itself only takes approximately 15 minutes.
How long will I be off work?
For people that do light office work or driving without any manual labor, you can return to work the next day. If you do more repetitive work, work on an assembly line or in a factory, or work with mechanical tools, it depends on how much repetitive activity and lifting you do on a daily basis. Most people are back to full activity within a week.
How long will it be before my carpal tunnel symptoms improve?
Most people have immediate relief, but results are individual and depend on how long you have had carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have not had carpal tunnel syndrome for a long period of time, your symptoms are expected to improve quickly, particularly nighttime pain. If you have suffered for many years, the numbness and tingling will improve more gradually due to nerve damage from the extended period of carpal tunnel syndrome. Your doctor will help you understand your individual situation.
Will I need to take pain medication after the procedure?
You can take Tylenol and/or ibuprofen to help with any pain or swelling. Also, rest and ice help to manage any pain after the procedure.