Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) commonly causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.
Symptoms of CTS typically start gradually and can range from mild to severe. They often include:
- Numbness, tingling, and pain in your thumb and the first three fingers of your hand. Tingly fingers can wake patients from sleep, and they find they shake their hands to try and relieve this.
- Weakness in your hand and a tendency to drop objects.
- Discomfort that may extend up your arm.
At Waterfront Private Hospital, we understand how Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can impact your quality of life. Our dedicated team offers comprehensive care, from an accurate diagnosis to personalised treatment plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Overview
- TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
Local - LENGTH OF SURGERY
30-45 minutes - HOSPITAL STAY
Walk in walkout - RECOVERY
1-4 weeks off work (depending on the nature of your work)
Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome
The condition occurs when one of the major nerves in the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. This nerve runs from your forearm through a passageway in your wrist (carpal tunnel) to your hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except the little finger.
Symptoms often develop slowly and can worsen over time, particularly if left untreated. They may be exacerbated by certain activities or at night, affecting sleep and daily activities.
The onset of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be due to a combination of factors. These may include genetic predispositions, repetitive hand movements, hand and wrist positions, pregnancy, and health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid gland imbalances.
It can affect people at any age.
Private treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome
At Waterfront Private Hospital, we offer a range of treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. We aim to relieve pain and restore function in the affected hand and wrist. Treatment plans may include:
- Conservative Management: In mild cases, treatment may begin with non-surgical methods. These can include:
- Wrist Splinting: Wearing a splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position helps to alleviate nighttime symptoms of tingling and numbness.
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Guidance on modifying hand and wrist activities to reduce nerve pressure.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen and improve flexibility in the hand and wrist.
- Interventional Treatments: For more severe cases or when conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, we may recommend:
- Corticosteroid Injections: Injections into the carpal tunnel can help to decrease inflammation and swelling, improving symptoms temporarily.
- Surgical Options: When symptoms are severe or persist despite other treatments, surgery may be the best option. Our surgical treatments include:
- Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure to relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament pressing on the nerve.
Our team of experienced surgeons, physiotherapists, and support staff are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care. We use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the most effective treatment, with an emphasis on minimally invasive methods to promote quicker recovery and optimal results.
At Waterfront Private Hospital, we understand that every patient’s journey with CTS is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized care to achieve the best possible outcomes.
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