Patient Information Other conditions treated by Mr Murray; • Dupuytren’s Contracture • Trigger Finger • Ganglions / Mucous Cysts • Tennis / Golfer’s Elbow • Wrist / Elbow Fractures • Kienbocks • Wrist Ligament Damage • Sports Injuries
Contact Us
Mr Murray’s private secretary
Tel: 01204 416186
karen@ukhandsurgery.com
Visit us on the web www.ukhandsurgery.com
@UKHANDSURGERY
UK Hand Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel ?
Treatment ?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that can cause tingling, numbness, weakness and occasionally pain in the forearm, hand, thumb, index and middle fingers. The symptoms usually develop gradually and are often worse at night. Both hands can be affected, however you will normally notice symptoms in your dominant hand first.
Occasionally, Carpal tunnel Syndrome can disappear on its own without treatment. Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, wrist splints may help to relieve the symptoms, especially at night. Mild cases of CTS may be helped with a low dose steroid injection, but surgery may be needed if the symptoms are more severe.
The Carpal tunnel is a narrow channel in the wrist made up of small bones and a thick band of tissue known as the transverse carpal ligament that acts as a pulley for the tendons that move the fingers.
Surgery involves releasing the thick transverse carpal ligament in order to increase the space for the tendons and nerves and decrease pressure in the tunnel. This is a day case procedure, performed in the operating theatre, normally under a local anaesthetic,. Simple painkillers are prescribed for the first 3 - 5 days. The wound must be kept dry and covered with a sterile dressing but splinting is not required. The sutures will be removed after 10 - 14 days and you will be able to resume normal activities. Mr Murray will advise you of when you can return to work, which is normally within 7 - 14 days.
The carpal tunnel surrounds the median nerve, which supplies sensation to the thumb, index and middle fingers and some movement to the thumb. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the Median Nerve within the tunnel, it is not always clear why the median nerve becomes compressed, however there are certain things that can increase the risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome such as: • • • • • •
Injury to the wrist Pregnancy Obesity Family History of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Repetitive work with the hands Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Thyroid problems
Many women develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy, believed to be due to hormonal changes and fluid retention in the tissues, resulting in increased pressure on the Carpal Tunnel, in most cases CTS improves within 3 months of baby being born but some may need further treatment.
Surgery has excellent results in most patients, however those patients that have suffered severe nerve damage, or have suffered for many years, may not improve for a while. Occasionally, in very severe cases, no improvement is seen, but the condition is prevented from worsening As with all surgical procedures, there are risks involved. These are small risks and will be explained by Mr Murray at consultation. For more information visit www.ukhandsurgery.com