Is Surgery Necessary for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a fairly common condition that can make it difficult to perform even the simplest of tasks. It causes tingling, numbness, and sometimes severe pain in the hand and arm. Many people who have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome think that surgery is the only option for treatment. However, many people find success with less invasive means of managing the pain.

Rest Your Hands

In the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be able to experience relief from your symptoms just by giving your hands some rest. Do your best to avoid activities that require a lot of repetitive motion, such as typing on a keyboard. Using tools--particularly power tools--is another way to aggravate your condition, so steer clear of these as much as possible.

Use a Splint

When you visit a hand surgery center in Atlanta, they’ll often have you try a splint before they schedule you for surgery. Most people wear their splints at night, since this is usually the time when symptoms are most noticeable. Wearing the splint at night also lets you go about your everyday activities without hindrance. The splint keeps pressure off the nerve, and it may take a few weeks to notice long-term results.

Take Pain Relievers

Some people manage their discomfort from carpal tunnel syndrome with pain relievers such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroid injections in your affected wrist to reduce inflammation and swelling. The effect of a corticosteroid injection should last for some time, although you may have to go back for another if the pain returns.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Surgery is always a last resort for doctors, since even the most routine surgeries carry some amount of risk. If your pain is too intense and other treatments aren’t working, your doctor will probably suggest surgery. Carpal tunnel surgery is relatively safe and effective, with about 90% of patients reporting alleviation of their symptoms.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

With or without surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome usually takes several months of recovery time. During this time, you should try to limit your wrist’s movement as much as possible, except for performing therapy exercises prescribed by your hand surgery center in Atlanta. If you have surgery, you’ll usually have to wear a bandage for a couple of weeks after the surgery to make sure the incision heals correctly.