Are you considering having surgery to treat your carpal tunnel syndrome and unsure how long it would take you to recover? Worry not! The Ovation Hand Institute is here to help.
After carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, every patient wants a speedy return to their daily activities.
At Ovation Hand Institute, we provide you with the best care and the most up-to-date techniques for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Usually, non-surgical alternatives are used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome first. If non-surgical treatments do not alleviate symptoms, it may be advisable to undergo surgery to release pressure on the median nerve.
Why Might I Need Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
The most common reason is to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, including numbness, tingling, pain in the hand and fingers, and difficulty gripping objects. Other reasons for carpal tunnel surgery include the existence of a cyst, tumor, scar tissue, or any other tissue compressing the median nerve. Patients with wrist or hand injuries and disorders that impact the median nerve may also be advised to undergo surgery.
Image Credit: anut21ng Stock / Shutterstock
How Do I Get Ready for Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Carpal tunnel surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, thus helping alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here is how to get yourself ready for surgery:
- Stop taking certain medications – Your doctor may advise you to stop taking medications like blood thinners in the days leading up to your surgery.
- Eat a healthy diet – Eating well and drinking enough water will aid your body’s recovery from surgery.
- Stop smoking – Smoking interferes with healing; consider quitting before surgery.
- Follow pre-surgery instructions – Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on what to wear and when to cease eating and drinking on the day of your procedure.
Surgery Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
1. Open Surgery
Open surgery is the traditional method of carpal tunnel release surgery. During the surgery, a small incision is made from your wrist to your palm. The surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament compressing the median nerve to relieve pressure on the nerve.
2. Endoscopic Surgery
Endoscopic surgery is a more recent, minimally invasive method of carpal tunnel release surgery. The surgeon makes one or two small incisions and uses a thin tube with a light and camera on the end to inspect the inside of the wrist as they relieve pressure on the median nerve.
3. The Ovation Technique (Ultrasound guided thread Carpal Tunnel Release)
The Ovation Hand Institute offers a unique and innovative method of carpal tunnel release surgery, utilizing ultrasound technology to guide a piece of thread to cut the transverse carpal ligament. This approach is minimally invasive, only requiring two small punctures as entry and exit points for the thread, and the precision of the technique ensures that the division happens only inside the loop of the thread around the target without injuring adjacent tissues or nerves.
What’s the Surgery Like?
Open surgery is carried out under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision on the wrist and uses standard surgical instruments to cut the carpal ligament and enlarge the carpal tunnel. The physician then closes the wound and bandages your hand, which prevents you from using or washing it.
Endoscopic surgery is also performed under general or local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. The surgeon inserts a camera attached to a narrow tube into one incision. The camera guides the doctor as they cut the carpal ligament through the other incision and decompresses the median nerve.
Ultrasound-guided Thread Carpal Tunnel Release is a minimally invasive technique used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and can be done under local anesthesia. This procedure uses ultrasound technology to guide a piece of thread to cut the transverse carpal ligament, which is compressing the median nerve and causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. The surgeon makes two small punctures in the hand as entry and exit points for the thread, which is then looped around the ligament and gently makes the cut. The precision of the technique ensures that the division happens only inside the loop of thread around the target without injuring adjacent tissues or nerves.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
You can expect relief from symptoms as quickly as the day of your surgery, but recovery will be gradual. Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery allows for faster recovery compared to the open surgery approach. With traditional surgical procedures, carpal tunnel surgery recovery time varies depending on factors such as the severity of the condition, the type of surgery performed, and the individual’s overall health.
With our ultra-minimally invasive procedure, most people undergoing carpal tunnel surgery can return to their normal activities within 24 hours. At Ovation, we use a minimally invasive technique that utilizes ultrasound technology to guide a piece of thread to cut the carpal ligament and relieve the pressure on the median nerve. Patients are in the office for a total of about 1 hour, and the procedure itself takes about 20 min.
Will I Need Occupational Therapy?
After traditional surgical procedures, patients frequently experience swelling, pain, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Occupational therapy can help to improve strength, mobility, and function in the affected hand and wrist.
With our ultra-minimally invasive procedure, patients seeking carpal tunnel syndrome treatment at our centers do not require occupational therapy before returning to normal activity.
After the procedure, patients may be able to resume normal activities the following day, including driving. About 2-3 days after the surgery, the bandage will come off, and it will be possible for patients to wash their hands.
It is important for patients to follow the recommended restrictions in order to allow their hands and wrists to heal properly. This includes not lifting more than 10 pounds and avoiding any activities that involve resistance or repetitive movements for at least two weeks. These restrictions are put in place to help prevent any injury or strain on the hand and wrist, and it is important for patients to follow them in order to ensure a successful comeback.
Experience a Quick Recovery with the Expert Care at Ovation Hand Institute
At Ovation, we utilize an ultra-minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require a surgical incision to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. The technique has proven highly effective – yielding consistently successful outcomes in over 2,000 cases. If you’re experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, book a consult today at Ovation Hand Institute or book a free info call to discuss your treatment options.
Featured Image: tong patong / Shutterstock