Don't rush Carpal tunnel release surgery

Sometimes there are many good reasons why to have carpal tunnel surgery and sometimes there are reasons to delay or not have the surgery at all.

"Should I have carpal tunnel surgery?"
Reasons NOT to have carpal tunnel surgery

Below is a good article from one of the surgeons in the department of Orthopedics at Duke University. The article talks about how it is okay to take a "wait and see" approach when dealing with most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel surgery.

Don't Rush Carpal tunnel Release surgery

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.”

From: Cabell Smith for MedMinute.

Summary

This article just reinforces that good Nonsurgical or conservative treatment is appropriate for most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. The most important aspects of conservative care are that you have a nice but high quality carpal tunnel brace for daytime activities and a comfortable Night splint to sleep in. Sometimes the right kind of Ergonomic product can help you in the long run or you can usually get some immediate carpal tunnel pain relief by using professional grade Pain relieving creams, gels and ice wraps.

Remember, NO decesion is REALLY A DECESION...so if you have been plaqued with carpal tunnel symptoms long enough, then take control and get better so you can move on with your life!

For more information on carpal tunnel release surgery

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