I type all day, every day for work. I’m beginning to feel pain in my hand and wrist, it’s been pretty consistent for the last 3 months. This discomfort is starting to affect my performance at work and is holding me back from some of my favorite daily activities. Is this something that Dr. Brooks can help me with?
What Is Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition in the hand and wrist caused by excessive pressure on the median nerve and wrist. The median nerve runs from your forearm to your hand. It controls thumb movement and provides sensation from the palm side of the thumb to half of the ring finger.
Pain, numbness, burning, tingling and weakness in the hand and wrist are the most common symptoms. Discomfort can also radiate up your forearm.
In severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the muscles of the thumb can become weak and decrease in size.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be caused by:
Flexor tendon irritation from excessive or repetitive hand use.
Fluid retention or swelling at the wrist caused by pregnancy, injury or trauma.
Nerve changes resulting from diabetes, hypothyroidism or alcoholism.
Inflammation from rheumatoid and other forms of arthritis.
Cysts or tumors.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that reduces the pressure on the median nerve to alleviate irritating and painful symptoms.
The goal of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve the pressure on your median nerve by cutting the ligament that’s pressing on it. Carpal tunnel surgery can be performed one of two ways, endoscopic or open surgery.
The open procedure typically involves a small incision on the palm of your hand to expose the carpal ligament so it can be cut to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. Alternatively, the procedure may be performed endoscopically, which involves 1 or 2 incisions on your hand or wrist and the use of a tiny camera and surgical instruments to perform the surgery beneath the tissues.
Once the carpal tunnel is completely released, your incisions will be closed and Dr. Brooks will give you specific post op care instructions.
What Is The First Step To Setting Up An Appointment With Dr. Brooks?
Please see your family doctor or a walk-in clinic physician to get a referral. Your doctor can refer you directly to Dr. Trevor Brooks for a one-on-one consultation to discuss the details of your carpal tunnel release surgery.
Consultation requests can be sent to our fax line @ 403.487.0462.
If you have any further questions about scheduling your consultation with Dr. Brooks, feel free to call us @ 403.487.0460.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
