Don't Rush into Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Short DescrMany of us are at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition of increased pressure on the median nerve passing through the wrist. Since CTS is frequently misdiagnosed, be sure to get an accurate diagnosis and explore non-surgical options before deciding to undergo surgery.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
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Durham, N.C. -- Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which pressure
gradually increases on the median nerve as it passes through the
wrist. It’s often caused by long periods of repetitive movement,
for example typing at a computer keyboard, sewing or playing the
bass guitar. Symptoms typically include pain, numbness, tingling or
weakness in the hand and wrist. Dr. James Urbaniak, professor of
orthopedic surgery at Duke University Medical Center, says special
exercises, wrist splints, workstation re-design and
anti-inflammatory drug treatment can frequently alleviate symptoms.
“There are other treatments for CTS besides surgery. In fact,
usually these should all be tried first before one has
surgery.” If surgery is determined to be necessary, says
Urbaniak, newer procedures such as endoscopic surgery, laser
surgery, and percutaneous balloon carpal tunnelplasty mean smaller,
less invasive incisions and faster recovery time. But he cautions
that surgery should be a last resort. “The most common problem
I see with carpal tunnel syndrome is that someone has had surgery
and they really didn’t have carpal tunnel syndrome.” I’m
Cabell Smith for MedMinute.
