Find out if you have the symptoms that require surgery for carpal tunnel
syndrome. Many people suffer from this disorder, but not all will need
surgery. Find out if you are a candidate for surgery.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS is classified as a repetitive stress
injury. This type of stress injury affects the function of the hands and
wrists. Millions of people in the United States suffer from this type
of injury. Often work related routines contribute to the development of
CTS. If you have this disorder or suspect that your symptoms may be more
serious than you previously thought, you may be a candidate for
surgery.
Surgery for CTS is one of the most common hand surgeries in the United
States. Surgery can relieve 70% to 90% the painful and restricting
symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Finding out whether you are a
candidate for surgery depends on a few things. Generally, doctors
recommend surgery for those patients who are not responding successfully
to other conservative treatments. Experiencing symptoms for more than
10 months or longer with no improvement is one of the characteristics of
someone who is a candidate for surgery. Continual numbness and
shrinking muscles are a sign that it is time for surgery. Also, age may
play a factor in determining who is a good candidate for surgery.
Generally, if the patient is above the age of 50 and is experiencing the
aforementioned symptoms, then they are considered good candidates for
surgery.
However, it is worth noting that surgery will not cure all patients with
carpal tunnel. And since the procedure for CTS involves permanently
cutting the carpal ligament, strength in the wrist may be lost. And,
even though the function of the wrist remains, experts wonder if surgery
is too often performed. Experts believe that all aggressive treatments
should be exhausted before surgery is performed. Other treatments
include splints, and anti inflammatory medications. But, other studies
have shown that since carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive disorder,
it will likely worsen over time.
Resolving the debate about whether or not to have surgery is done on a
case by case basis. Since all cases of CTS are not solved with surgery, a
physician will take into account a variety of factors when deciding to
recommend surgery for their patient with CTS. Doctors agree that having
surgery performed within 3 years of a diagnosis of carpal tunnel will
make for a successful post surgical experience. Of course, being in
general good health will also play a role in a successful after surgery.
But, one factor that seems to be part of those who have a more positive
outcome are that their symptoms are worse at night than the day.
Some people do not make successful candidates. People with extreme
carpal tunnel symptoms will not make good candidates for surgery. Also,
having poor nerve function will be a contributing factor as well. But,
really only a doctor can help you decide. After trying several different
treatments you and your doctor can determine if surgery will be a
benefit for you.
surgery. Find out if you are a candidate for surgery.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS is classified as a repetitive stress
injury. This type of stress injury affects the function of the hands and
wrists. Millions of people in the United States suffer from this type
of injury. Often work related routines contribute to the development of
CTS. If you have this disorder or suspect that your symptoms may be more
serious than you previously thought, you may be a candidate for
surgery.
Surgery for CTS is one of the most common hand surgeries in the United
States. Surgery can relieve 70% to 90% the painful and restricting
symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Finding out whether you are a
candidate for surgery depends on a few things. Generally, doctors
recommend surgery for those patients who are not responding successfully
to other conservative treatments. Experiencing symptoms for more than
10 months or longer with no improvement is one of the characteristics of
someone who is a candidate for surgery. Continual numbness and
shrinking muscles are a sign that it is time for surgery. Also, age may
play a factor in determining who is a good candidate for surgery.
Generally, if the patient is above the age of 50 and is experiencing the
aforementioned symptoms, then they are considered good candidates for
surgery.
However, it is worth noting that surgery will not cure all patients with
carpal tunnel. And since the procedure for CTS involves permanently
cutting the carpal ligament, strength in the wrist may be lost. And,
even though the function of the wrist remains, experts wonder if surgery
is too often performed. Experts believe that all aggressive treatments
should be exhausted before surgery is performed. Other treatments
include splints, and anti inflammatory medications. But, other studies
have shown that since carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive disorder,
it will likely worsen over time.
Resolving the debate about whether or not to have surgery is done on a
case by case basis. Since all cases of CTS are not solved with surgery, a
physician will take into account a variety of factors when deciding to
recommend surgery for their patient with CTS. Doctors agree that having
surgery performed within 3 years of a diagnosis of carpal tunnel will
make for a successful post surgical experience. Of course, being in
general good health will also play a role in a successful after surgery.
But, one factor that seems to be part of those who have a more positive
outcome are that their symptoms are worse at night than the day.
Some people do not make successful candidates. People with extreme
carpal tunnel symptoms will not make good candidates for surgery. Also,
having poor nerve function will be a contributing factor as well. But,
really only a doctor can help you decide. After trying several different
treatments you and your doctor can determine if surgery will be a
benefit for you.
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