Releasing the pain: Carpal tunnel surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome and its symptoms are potentially painful and uncomfortable. Thankfully there are various solutions that offer relief, whether they’re non-surgical or an operation. Here, leading consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in upper limb surgery, Mr Shyam Kumar tells us all about both types of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.  

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves a trapped nerve around the wrist, which is called the median nerve. Some patients can get relief with splinting in the night as most patients complain of burning pain or pins and needles during the night time.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Some patients will get relief with an ultrasound-guided injection from the symptoms. If those basic treatment modalities fail, then carpal tunnel surgery is an option.

What’s involved in the surgical operation for carpal tunnel syndrome?

It’s done as a day-case procedure under local anaesthesia. That means the area of the operation is numbed by an injection and the wound takes about two weeks to heal. It's a very simple procedure to perform.

However, in some cases there can be weakness of the nerve. This can be assessed clinically or sometimes this can be revealed after nerve conduction studies. If that is the case, surgery is advised sooner rather than later.

Is this procedure unsuitable for any specific group of patients?

There is, however, a cohort of patients like pianists, artists etc, who need their fingers to be in mint condition. They may have a low threshold in choosing surgery because they cannot afford to lose any sensation or movements of their fingers for their occupation.

Do you require expert assistance regarding carpal tunnel syndrome? Arrange a consultation with Mr Kumar via his Top Doctors profile.