Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Surrey, B.C.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition in which patients have symptoms of numbness and tingling in their fingers, and even burning pain. In more advanced situations, thumb muscle loss and weakness of thumb movement can occur. Usually, the problems are more noticeable at night, but they can occur anytime and may be triggered by certain activities or postures of the hand. Patients often describe clumsiness of their hand and may notice that they drop things more frequently.
Our Fraser Valley service areas include Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows and Mission, BC.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There is no single cause of carpal tunnel syndrome and most cases are due to a combination of factors. If there is any pressure on or irritation of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel, this can lead to symptoms.
A number of risk factors have been shown to be associated with increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome including family history, advanced age, obesity, certain medical conditions (diabetes, sleep apnea, low thyroid, arthritis), anatomic variations (previous broken wrist), and pregnancy. Repetitive activities and the use of vibratory tools may also increase carpal tunnel symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Treatment
The first treatment usually recommended is a splint which is worn at night. Altering your daytime activities can also help alleviate the problem. Once in a while, steroid injections are used.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery
The wound usually heals by 10-14 days, however, everyone recovers at their own rate. It takes about 6-8 weeks for the hand to become “normal.” Hand therapy is sometimes required afterwards.
Possible Complications
Serious complications from having a carpal tunnel surgery are rare.
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection and slow wound healing. The healed scar can often be sensitive to pressure, but this is temporary. It takes a variable amount of time for the numbness and tingling to improve; this commonly varies with the severity of the initial problem. Your surgeon will discuss other possible complications at the time of your consultation
Contact Us
To learn more about how you may benefit from carpal tunnel treatment or to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, please contact our Surrey office today.