Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can cause pain, numbness, tingling and disability in the hand. It can prevent you from performing tasks at work, playing sports and resting well. There are several ways to treat this condition, but your doctor may recommend endoscopic surgery if your symptoms are severe. This procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option that can provide long-term relief from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Endoscopic Surgery
A small camera called an endoscope is inserted into the hand during endoscopic surgery through a small incision. Cuts are usually made in the wrist or palm and are only about a half-inch long. Your doctor will use the tool to see inside your hand and release pressure on the median nerve.
Endoscopic surgery is generally safe and effective. Complications from the procedure are rare but can include infection, nerve damage and stiffness. Most who undergo endoscopic surgery experience relief from their symptoms and can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Your doctor may suggest surgery if you experience severe symptoms, such as:
- Severe pain that limits your ability to use your hand
- Numbness or tingling that interferes with your sleep
- Weakness in your hand that makes it difficult to perform daily activities
- Loss of feeling in your hand
- Loss of muscle strength in your hand
- Atrophy or shrinking of the muscles in your hand
The Benefits Of Endoscopic Surgery
Surgery is usually not the first treatment option providers recommend to patients, as surgery is an intense process and a lot of patients can find relief through other methods. However, people with severe CTS benefit significantly from surgery. You can experience the following with the help of endoscopic surgery:
- Relief from pain, numbness and tingling
- Improvement in hand function, strength and mobility
- Quick recovery time
- Less scarring than traditional surgery
Your doctor may recommend endoscopic surgery over traditional open surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Endoscopic surgery is less invasive than conventional surgery, which means less scarring and a quicker recovery time. In addition, endoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to see inside the hand and avoid damaging the surrounding tissue.
Recovery From Endoscopic Surgery
Most people who get endoscopic surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome recover quickly and experience relief from their symptoms. Orthopedic surgeons usually perform the treatment as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day.
Recovery times vary depending on the individual, but most people can return to normal activities after a few weeks. You may need to take it easy for a couple of weeks and avoid strenuous activities while your incisions heal. Your doctor will give you specific instructions to care for your wound and what activities you should avoid while recovering. It is crucial to follow your doctor’s directions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.
Physical therapy can also help you recover after the procedure by improving the function of your hand and reducing pain. If you’re an athlete, therapy can help you return to your sport safely. Your therapist can teach you exercises to regain your hand strength, flexibility and range of motion. They can also teach you how to avoid sustaining CTS again, as injury prevention is a critical aspect of therapy.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Maryland
If you are looking for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Maryland, look no further than Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. We have a team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons trained and experienced in hand surgery. If you want to know more about our services, you may call our friendly staff at (410) 296-6232. If you want to book a consultation, you may use our secure online appointment request form.
We also have convenient locations in Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Lutherville, Pasadena and Westminster. We look forward to serving you!
