Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a chronic condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling resulting from repetitive wrist and hand movements. A person who suffers from this condition can experience acute pain and crippling fatigue. There are treatment options such as corticosteroids and braces are available, but they may not be sufficient to relieve the pain. It may be necessary to perform surgery in such cases.
An effective way to relieve the pain and in some cases heal this condition is through carpal tunnel release surgery. Our Florida Surgery Consultants team of highly experienced orthopedic surgeons has successfully performed a number of carpal tunnel releases. Contact one of our surgery centers online or call (888) 411-6824 to request a consultation.
In this article, we discuss carpal tunnel release surgery and recovery in depth. Continue reading to learn what to expect and factors to consider in the recovery process.
What is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. There can be a pain, numbness, and sometimes impairment of the hands as a result. An outpatient or hospital setting will be used for carpal tunnel release. It is usually an outpatient procedure. During carpal tunnel surgery, part of the carpal ligament is cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The wrist joint is held together by this band of tissue. In order to perform the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision in the wrist. By doing this, the carpal tunnel is enlarged and pressure is relieved on the median nerve. The surgery takes an average of one hour, depending on how the procedure is performed.
The release of the carpal tunnel is a common procedure, but it may have risks and complications. Generally, your doctor will recommend a less invasive treatment method for you before suggesting a carpal tunnel release. Consider getting a second opinion about all of your treatment choices before having a carpal tunnel release.
How Is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Performed?
A carpal tunnel release can be performed in one of the following ways:
Minimally Invasive Surgery Or Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
In minimally invasive surgery, or endoscopic carpal tunnel release, tools, and an endoscope are inserted into wrist incisions through one or two small 1/2 inch incisions. With an endoscope, you can see inside the wrist with the help of a camera that sends pictures to a video screen. As the surgery is performed, the surgeon views the surgery area on the video screen. A minimally invasive surgery usually results in faster healing and less pain than open surgery. This is because fewer tissues and organs are damaged. Rather than a larger incision used in open surgery, your surgeon will use a smaller one. By threading surgical instruments around muscles and tissues, they do not cut through them or displace them like in open surgery.
Open Surgery
During open surgery, the wrist is incised two inches. Your surgeon can directly access and see the surgical site during open surgery. Compared to minimally invasive surgery, open surgery generally involves a longer recovery period and more pain. The size of the incision in open surgery is larger, and muscles and other tissues must be cut and dislocated more than in minimally invasive surgery. Even so, open surgery may be a safer or more effective procedure for some patients.
A surgeon can recommend the best procedure for you based on your diagnosis, age, medical history, general health, and perhaps personal preferences. Get to know the different carpal tunnel procedures and ask your surgeon why they will perform one over another.
The Risks of Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal tunnel release does not come without risks, as we mentioned earlier. Local anesthesia can be used to numb your wrist or induce sleepiness so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. General anesthesia can be given in some cases so that you are put into a state of deep sleep before surgery. There are risks associated with anesthesia for some people. Additionally, patients may also face the following risks after carpal tunnel release surgery:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to the median nerve or nerves that branch out from it
- Blood vessel damage
- Sensitive scarring
- Recovery time. – typically taking several weeks to months. Long-term nerve compression may lead to even longer recovery times.
Your specific medical condition may pose other risks. You should discuss any concerns before the procedure with your doctor.
What to Expect Following Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
The following may be recommended after surgery:
- Ice and elevation: Ice your wrist or apply a cold pack for ten to twenty minutes at a time. For the next 3 days do this every 1 to 2 hours until the swelling is gone. When icing the wrist or when lying or sitting down during the next 3 days, prop up the wrist on a pillow. Try to keep it above your heart’s level. Using this method will help reduce swelling.
- Wearing a wrist brace or splint: Consult your doctor about when you should wear it.
You can expect different outcomes depending on your health and the condition of your median nerve before surgery. Recovery times can be impacted by factors such as age, health, and your ability to follow post-operative care guidelines. Surgery is likely to improve your symptoms, but the recovery process can be gradual and can take up to a year in some cases. A longer recovery time can also result from preexisting conditions such as tendonitis or arthritis, which can cause pain or stiffness.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Recovery Factors
As you recover, your main goal is to reduce your symptoms and regain pain-free wrist functionality. It is common for people to experience improvement in their symptoms soon after surgery. You may not notice any improvement in grip or pinch strength for 2-6 months. As stated earlier, full recovery can take up to a year. You should discuss the best strategies for achieving these recovery goals and what you can expect with your doctor from the beginning of the process. Moreover, determine when it’s time to see your doctor if your weakness or pain doesn’t improve. The following are factors to consider in every stage of your carpal tunnel release recovery:
Short-term Symptoms
It is common to feel stiff and swollen after surgery. During the first few days, keep the hand elevated above your heart and move your fingers frequently. A side effect of endoscopic surgery is pain, but it usually goes away quickly. In order to fully recover and complete your rehabilitation, you must control your pain. Consequently, you’ll probably be prescribed a narcotic pain reliever. Medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) may also be prescribed by your doctor.
Physical Therapy
Following carpal tunnel release surgery, rehabilitation is often necessary. You may need physical therapy as well as occupational therapy. The first phase of treatment will focus on wrist range-of-motion exercises. The program will eventually include exercises to strengthen your muscles and treatment for scarring. The first time you do these activities, they may feel painful. Get advice from your doctor or therapist on coping with pain and reaching your recovery goals.
Daily Activities
It may take several weeks to months before you can return to your normal activities. The doctor usually recommends you use your hand normally as much as possible. Things like brushing your teeth, using a fork, and light typing fall under this category. It is advised that you avoid lifting anything heavy with that wrist for about six weeks. Wear your brace, use your wrist, and lift things according to the instructions. When you try to do too much, too fast, you can create problems in your recovery process. Obtain medical clearance from your doctor before returning to daily activities, driving, working, and participating in sports or other leisurely activities.
Wound Treatment
Cover and dress the wound, keep it dry, and shower as instructed. Until your doctor has cleared it, do not submerge the wound in water. Avoid baths, pools, and hot tubs until your doctor has cleared it. When washing dishes, wear rubber gloves. The stitches will be removed after two weeks by your doctor. Your doctor should be contacted if your wound is red, swollen, warm, draining fluid, bleeding, or opening.
Minimize Complications
During the recovery process for your wrist, it’s important to keep an eye out for complications. In case of fever, numbness, tingling, greater swelling than expected, or more pain than usual, contact your doctor right away. These signs could indicate a complication. It is also possible to suffer from persistent weakness and scar pain. If your symptoms do not go away or return after your wrist heals, talk to your doctor. A hand therapist may be necessary to help you fully recover.
Ideally, you should be able to move and use your wrist smoothly after undergoing carpal tunnel release. In most cases, this is achievable. Be sure to start slow and go slow. You can damage your wrist by putting too much stress on it too soon. If you feel pain while engaging in an activity, stop and rest. During the recovery period, your doctor will monitor how your wrist is healing. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and call him/her if there is a concern.
Speak With A Florida Surgeon Today
If you have been suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be a candidate for carpal tunnel release surgery. The experienced orthopedic surgeons at Florida Surgery Consultants will guide you through every step of the surgery process.
Our orthopedic surgeons are also happy to answer any questions you may have about your recovery if you have already undergone surgery. Schedule a consultation for carpal tunnel release surgery today by contacting Florida Surgery Consultants.