Innovative Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common ailment that affects people of all ages who have to perform repetitive tasks like typing and computer work, sports that require you to grip a racket tightly, assembly work, and other efforts that cause you to overuse the wrist. In the past, when surgery was required to repair carpal tunnel syndrome, it was an invasive, arduous surgery that took six to eight weeks to recover from, during which time, you lost the use of your hand. Usually, the surgery had to be done one hand at a time. New innovations in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome have both minimized the need for surgery and made the surgery much less invasive.
How Do I Know If I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are tell-tale symptoms that usually lead people to seek a medical opinion: numb and tingling fingers, burning, and pain. As the symptoms progress, you may wake up in the middle of the night with the discomfort of numbness or stinging pain in your fingers and hands. Eventually your grip will weaken and your ability to have full functionality will be diminished.
Is Surgery the Only Option?
There are several treatments available for carpal tunnel syndrome. In fact, at Specialty Orthopaedics, surgery is a last resort. We will try other, less invasive options first. The goal is to eliminate your pain and numbness and restore your mobility. Sometimes, that requires surgery, but not always. Initial treatment can include rest, immobilizing the wrist using a brace, and adjusting your motions to be more ergonomic. Anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections can be used as well. If none of those treatments provide satisfactory results, then surgery will be recommended.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
In place of the former invasive surgery that was commonly used to repair carpal tunnel syndrome, Specialty Orthopaedics uses an innovative method called endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery. The surgery reduces the pressure placed on your median nerve, which eliminates the pain, immobility, and grip strength issues.
If you are interested in carpal tunnel surgery or believe you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and need to evaluate your treatment options, visit Specialty Orthopaedics. Our New York orthopedic practice is home to a team of fellowship-trained orthopedists in a variety of specialty areas. We offer comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in a caring and responsive clinical atmosphere. Give us a call at 914.686.0111 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your appointment today.