Many people do not even realize that they are beginning to get carpal tunnel, as it has a tendency to start slowly. It will often begin with a numb or tingling sensation that starts in the fingers. In the beginning, this is not permanent. Sometimes you will feel it and sometimes you will not. Most of the time, you will not feel it in your little finger, but you will feel this sensation in your thumb and the other fingers.
You may begin to feel this when you are gripping something, such as a phone or tablet, when you are reading, typing, or even driving. In some cases, it can even cause people to wake up at night. While most people will only feel it in their hands and fingers at first, it is possible to have the feeling spread up the forearm. As carpel tunnel worsens, these sensations become permanent quite often.
Many who have carpal tunnel will also find that they have weakness in their hands, making it more difficult to hold onto things with a good grip. Those who have these signs and symptoms should certainly consider speaking with a doctor about what they can do next and whether surgery will be necessary.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel?
When the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, it causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The nerve extends from the hand, through the carpal tunnel, and up through the forearm. It may be difficult to isolate the cause of the carpal tunnel. It is more prevalent in women than in men. Certain anatomical factors can be a cause as well. Those who have smaller carpal tunnels are at a higher likelihood of injury. Other causes can include diabetes and other conditions that damage the nerves, fluid retention, obesity, and of course, factors in the workplace. In any job where there is repetitive flexing of the wrist, there is a chance of people developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Several different options are available for carpal tunnel treatment, and endoscopic surgery is one of the top choices for many. One of the benefits of getting endoscopic surgery is that the incisions tend to be small and the recovery time minimal for most types of surgery. This includes surgery to help people deal with their carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgeons will make a small incision in the hand, near the wrist, and then guide the endoscope into the hand to see the wrist. The tools utilized tend to be very small, which also go through the small incision.
During the surgery, the surgeon will cut the transverse carpal ligament as a means to help reduce the amount of pressure being placed on the median nerve. The goal is to help eliminate the symptoms that people with carpal tunnel suffer. While there are certainly benefits to the smaller incisions, endoscopic surgery may not be the right solution for everyone. You will need to speak with your hand surgery specialist about the best course of action for your own hands.
