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Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that results in a tightening, numbing or tingling feeling in the hand. The human body has hundreds of nerves, each designed to perform major functions. A disturbance in the median nerve (passing from hand to palm) leads to carpal tunnel syndrome. In this article you will learn everything about this syndrome and how carpal tunnel surgery is performed to cure this disease. Let’s begin!
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The median nerve is a major hand nerve that passes from the hand to the palm. When the median nerve is compressed or squeezed, it results in carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause unbearable pain, tingling, tightening, or numbing.
The median nerve is located at the palm’s nerve also known as carpal tunnel and thus the name carpal tunnel syndrome. This nerve is responsible for all kinds of sensations in different parts of the hand including the fingers. In case the nerve swells or is compressed it results in the syndrome.
The syndrome affects females more than males and is found the most among middle-aged people. Around 4% to 5% of the world population is affected by carpal tunnel syndrome.
If treated on time, the syndrome does not take a serious turn. However, if left unattended for long, it can turn into a severe condition as minutes of tingling pain can lead to damage in the median nerve, resulting eventually in permanent hand numbness, affecting life quality. This, then, requires carpal tunnel surgery.
What are the Causes and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compulsion on the median nerve, which creates inflammation and swelling. Several factors, including restricted hand movement, posture, or other underlying health conditions, can cause pressure on the median nerve.
Several common reasons can trigger the syndrome in some individuals more than others. If a person is suffering from any of the following, the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome are higher.
- Diabetes
- Thyroid dysfunction
- High blood pressure
- Fluid retention due to pregnancy or, in some cases, menopause
- Past trauma on the wrist, like a fracture
- Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis
Apart from the above-mentioned underlying health conditions, there are common everyday lifestyle ways that can also trigger the syndrome like:
- Long hours of uncomfortable wrist positioning while working on a laptop or mouse
- Constant contact with vibrating tools on the palm
- Any other activity that requires your hand to be overextended for a long period, such as playing the piano or some other sport
Since the syndrome can become severe if not treated on time, it is suggested to not neglect minor swelling in the hand followed by tingling or periodic numbness. Here’s a list of signs of carpal tunnel that are common and can be easily noticed-
- Inflammation around the palm
- Swelling of wrist resulting in pain or numbness
- Weakness in hand muscles, especially around the wrist
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- Its Diagnosis and Treatment
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a major problem faced by both men and women that must be examined and treated on time to avoid severity. The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is a simple process where the doctor first looks for physical symptoms by observing the palm, wrist and back of the neck to find indications of swelling or inflammation, if any.
If found, the doctor then goes ahead to evaluate the patient’s medical history to find underlying health conditions and perform nerve conduction tests. A nerve conduction test is primarily conducted to examine the nerve impulse speed.
Wondering what type of doctor does carpal tunnel surgery? You should look out for an orthopaedic surgeon or hand surgeon.
Since the syndrome involves swelling or inflammation in the nerve, surgeons often try to find carpal tunnel syndrome treatment that does not require surgery. Here’s a list of nonsurgical carpal tunnel treatment methods:
- Wrist splints to keep the hand in a correct posture
- Physiotherapy to correct the posture and reduce swelling
- Medicine for instant relief
- Cold packs to reduce swelling
- Carpal tunnel syndrome therapies
Note- All these methods are to be performed only after medical professional’s advice
In cases when carpal tunnel syndrome has become severe, the doctor might suggest surgery. If you are wondering what happens during carpal tunnel surgery then here’s a little insight for you. The surgery is performed using either of these three methods:
1. Endoscopic Surgery
An endoscope is a telescope that doctors use to see through the swelling. Once located, the surgeon carefully cuts through the ligament to remove the swelling. This can be performed within an hour and does not cause major pain.
2. Open Surgery
An open surgery is where the surgeon opens the carpal tunnel (located on the palm) to cut through the ligament. This can cause pain if not done under medication.
3. Ultrasound-guided Surgery
This is performed like an endoscopic surgery the only difference is that under this the surgeon uses an ultrasound to find the ligament.
Now that you know what is the procedure for carpal tunnel surgery, let’s proceed further!
Post-surgery Experience
If you have undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome you might be wondering what to expect after carpal tunnel surgery. Here’s a list of answers to all your questions.
1. What is the recovery time for carpal tunnel surgery?
It will take a few weeks for the ligament to grow back, leaving enough space for the nerve to move freely without causing any pain.
2. What to do after carpal tunnel surgery?
First, your doctor would suggest medicines. It is suggested that hand movements post-surgery be restricted for fast recovery.
>> Also Read: Can Diabetes Increase the Risk of Infections?
How can Health Insurance Help?
Health insurance is a saviour as it provides a safety net in case of a medical emergency like carpal tunnel syndrome surgery or treatment of prolonged disease. Treatment costs at reputed medical institutions have skyrocketed post-covid 19 and you would not want financial straits.
Protection against medical inflation
Medical developments have increased life expectancy with advanced treatment methods and tools. However, this also means that medical expenses can become a financial burden if it includes severe surgery like carpal tunnel syndrome surgery or treatment for a long-going disease.
Health insurance ensures that you have your finances sorted to meet medical expenses. There are different types of health insurance plans designed to meet your needs, given your medical history.
Summing up
The post-COVID-19 world has become a lot more health conscious, pulling individuals and families to opt for health insurance and creating a shield against the sky-high costs of medical treatments. Health insurance policies are planned to offer coverage for almost all kinds of medical emergencies and you can explore to find a policy that satisfies your health concerns.
At Care Health Insurance, the goal is to provide high coverage at low rates, promising affordable premiums and cashless payment of medical expenses across states. We have plans dedicated to cover different types of surgery as well. Visit our website to know more.
Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
