Download Carpal Tunnel Information Leaflet

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What to expect after your operation.
This surgery is normally performed as a
day case under a general anaesthetic or
regional block (the arm is made numb
through an injection). You will be sent
home with light bandaging and a practice
nurse will remove the stitches within 10-12
days.
Things to consider before having a
carpal tunnel release
•
•
•
After your operation it is recommended
that you ensure you maintain movement in
your wrist and fingers gently to prevent
them from stiffening up.
If after your surgery you have any
problems with weakness or sensitive
scarring you may need to see a hand
therapist. Your surgeon will advise you on
this.
•
•
•
There is a small risk of infection
through surgery
In some cases the operation may
not work/ may need repeating
In some cases where the nerve has
been severely damaged there may
be permanent and irreversible
changes in the hand including
tingling/ numbness and or loss of
strength/ control
Risk of problematic scar tissue;
after the operation there is a risk
that you may have problems with
scarring including tender/ sensitive
scarring. Thick/ hard scarring
causing reduced movement
Risk of some stiffness of the wrist
and fingers following the operation
Risk
of
Reflex
Sympathetic
Disorder (RSD). Can also be
known as Chronic Regional Pain
Syndrome (a malfunction of the
nervous system that controls your
pain)
If you have any Questions about this condition/ operation
bring them to the next appointment with your surgeon.
If you have any questions about the information on this
leaflet you can contact a member of the Hand Therapy
Team on (01246) 512177
Carpal Tunnel
Version 1
© Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Reviewed Date: March 2016
Next Planned Reviewed Date: March 2018
Therapy Services Dept.
Carpal Tunnel
Information Leaflet
You have been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome. This information sheet is designed to
provide you with some basic information about the
condition and the ways in which it can be
managed.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
It is a common condition that causes pain,
numbness and burning/ tingling sensations in
the hand and fingers.
If severe it can cause weakness in the hand as
well.
What is the Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a small tunnel made from
the transverse carpal ligament at the top of the
wrist. Inside the tunnel lie several tendons and
a nerve (the median nerve) which control
some of the sensation and movement in your
hand.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome involves a build up of
swelling and pressure inside this tunnel. This
reduces the space that the tendons and nerve
have
inside
the
tunnel
and
can
compress/squash the nerve.
It is the compression of the nerve which
causes the pain, tingling and numbness in the
hand.
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What are the symptoms?
What is the treatment?
Symptoms include:
• Tingling or numbness in the thumb,
index, middle and half of the ring
finger.
• Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be managed
non-operatively but in some cases surgery
may be required.
Non-operative Treatment
Why does it occur?
The exact cause of Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome isn’t always known but certain
things can be linked to high incidence of
the condition, for example:
• Family history - Some research
shows a genetic link to carpal
tunnel syndrome
• Certain health conditions - for
example
diabetes,
rheumatoid
arthritis,
gout,
hypothyroidism,
obesity, oedema (swelling)
• Pregnancy due to fluid retention
(swelling)
• Certain injuries to the hand or wrist
such as sprains, ligament injuries
or fractures can cause swelling in
the wrist which may put pressure
on the nerve
• Certain activities which involve lots
of repetitive wrist movement
forwards and backwards
Other symptoms include:
• Aching/ discomfort in the hand
forearm
• Burning/ prickling sensation
• Dry skin
• Swelling
• Changes in colour of the skin
• Weakness in the thumb
• Wasting of the muscles of the
thumb
•
•
What tests might be done?
Doctors can diagnose carpal tunnel
syndrome by carrying out a few simple
tests and by asking about the symptoms.
Nerve Conduction Studies may be carried
out to confirm the diagnosis or check that
there isn’t a problem elsewhere in the arm/
neck.
Nerve Conduction Studies involve small
electrodes (metal discs) being placed on
the arm and a small electrical current being
sent through. This shows how fast the
signals are being sent through nerves and
will help to identify any nerve problem and
the severity of it.
•
Splinting - Splints can be
purchased or provided by a
therapist. These rest your wrist in a
straight position in which the carpal
tunnel is at its widest, preventing it
from bending and applying further
pressure on the nerve.
Advice/
lifestyle
changes
Sometimes being given advice on
carpal tunnel syndrome and the
types of activities to avoid can help
reduce symptoms and allow the
inflammation to settle down.
Steroid Injections - into your wrist to
help relieve the swelling and
pressure around the nerve.
Operative Treatment
Carpal Tunnel Decompression
Surgery is usually recommended for
severe symptoms / symptoms that have
lasted for six months or more.
During the operation the surgeon makes
an incision in the wrist and cuts the
ligament that forms the roof of the tunnel
which helps to relieve the pressure on the
nerve.