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.

carpal tunnel treatment

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)
waiting area warterfront private hospital edinburgh

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 hand surgery edinburgh

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.

Further reading:

British Society for Surgery of the Hand

Our carpal tunnel surgeons

Get In Touch

Get in touch

Please complete our form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

ARRANGE A CONSULTATION BY PHONE

0131 376 3785

OPENING HOURS

8am - 5pm Monday - Friday

Contact Form