If caught early, carpal tunnel can be successfully treated without surgery. Such early intervention increases the efficacy of conservative, non-surgical treatment options. However, if those options have failed, it may be time to consider the surgical procedure known as ‘carpal tunnel release’.
In this blog post, we will address five common questions patients have about carpal tunnel release in Miami.
What is Carpal Tunnel Release?
Carpal tunnel release is a surgical intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome. During the surgery, the practitioner will decompress the medical nerve, which provides relief of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Carpal tunnel release is an outpatient procedure, which means that patients can go home the same day of surgery. In rare cases or if there are complications, there may need to be an overnight stay. The surgery can be performed under general or local anesthesia and is usually not painful.
How is Carpal Tunnel Release in Miami Performed?
There are two types of carpal tunnel release:
- Open Carpal Tunnel Release
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
Open Carpal Tunnel Release
An open release is a traditional method to correct carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgeon will cut open the wrist to decompress the medical nerve.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
With an endoscopic carpal tunnel release, a thin, flexible tube that contains a camera is guided into the wrist through a small incision. The camera assists the surgeon as he uses tools (put into the wrist through another incision) to complete the release.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your carpal tunnel specialist in Miami to decide the best option to relieve your specific symptoms.
Does Carpal Tunnel Release Work?
Carpal Tunnel Release is generally successful for relieving carpal tunnel syndrome. Over 90% of patients who have a carpal tunnel release in Miami report symptom improvement.
Usually, patients feel relief from tingling in the hands and being woken up at night soon after healing. Feelings of numbness may take up to three months before complete comfort is noted.
It is a safe surgery with a complication risk of 0-1%. The necessity for hospitalization defines complications after surgery. Patients usually heal well without hindrance.
How Long Does it Take for Carpal Tunnel Release to Heal?
Timelines for healing vary from a few weeks to months. You will likely need to wear a bandage or splint after surgery to promote healing.
The most important thing you can do to promote optimal recovery is to participate in a post-operative physical therapy program. Rehab will focus on improving mobility, strengthening the wrist, and helping you to regain function.
Participation in recovery will promote proper healing, minimizing the risk of additional carpal tunnel symptoms.
Can Carpal Tunnel Return After Release?
In a small number of cases, carpal tunnel symptoms may come back. Some patients report concerns after a few months and some over a decade later.
Patients who perform work likely to trigger carpal tunnel symptoms are at a higher risk of having those symptoms return after surgery. By working with your rehab specialist, you can develop a plan to minimize potential triggers.
If you have recurrent symptoms, you may need to consider the hazards of the occupation to your health. It is suggested that no more than two carpal tunnel surgeries be performed on a patient due to the risk of scar tissue and poor success.
Contact South Florida Orthopedics For Carpal Tunnel Release
If you have tried other options to treat carpal tunnel and need surgical intervention, South Florida International Orthopaedics, P.A. will help you find relief.
We offer a variety of surgical, non-surgical, and regenerative treatment options to our patients. Our goal is to provide you with a high level of care, individually fitted to your needs and life.
For your convenience, we have orthopaedic doctors at two clinic locations to address carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Carpal tunnel release in Miami
- Carpal tunnel release in Homestead
Reach out to us today to learn more about how carpal tunnel release can help you!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
