Carpal tunnel decompression is a surgical procedure performed to reduce or eliminate symptoms of the carpal tunnel syndrome.
The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is not entirely clear, though it has been seen more often in women, than in men, and has been associated with certain occupations that involve repetitive motion. The risk of CTS is high in occupations involving exposure to high pressure, high force, repetitive work, and vibrating tools.
But there are several important non-occupational causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, like:
A. Local causes
B. Regional causes
C. Systemic causes
[Source: http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/jil/ums/umj077/077(1)006.pdf]
An estimated one million adults in the United States (annually) have CTS requiring medical treatment [Source: Tanaka S, Wild DK, Seligman PJ, Behrens V, Cameron L, Putz-Anderson V. The US prevalence of self-reported carpal tunnel syndrome: 1988 National Health Interview Survey data. Am J Public Health 1994;84(11):1846-8. Various non-occupational causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome].
In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve is affected. It runs through a tunnel called the carpal tunnel in the palm of the hand; hence the name carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel decompression can be done under general or local anesthesia. An incision is made into the patient’s palm near the crease in the middle, cutting into the roof of the carpal tunnel. Incisions may vary, but the aim is the same, to enlarge the tunnel and decrease the pressure on the nerve. After the incision is closed, the patient’s arm is bandaged and placed in a sling to reduce swelling.
After an hour or two, the patient is sent home, and 10 to 12 days later, the bandages and stitches are removed. It may take several months for the hand and wrist to regain its strength.
After the surgery, your hand and fingers may feel numb for some time. If you feel any discomfort, you will be given pain relief medication.
Precautions to be taken at home after carpal tunnel decompression:
The benefits of carpal tunnel decompression include relief from pain, numbness, tingling, cramps and other symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, you will regain your normal strength and grip in your hand and will experience more comfort when working.
The alternative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome are not known to have any significant advantages over carpal tunnel decompression. However, if your symptoms are mild, you can try wearing a wrist splint. Steroid injections into the wrist are another form of treatment. If you are pregnant and have developed carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery is usually not necessary. The symptoms subside post delivery.
The carpal tunnel syndrome can be debilitating and can amount to significant loss of work days. Hence, in severe cases, carpal tunnel decompression needs to be performed as soon as possible.
However, with skyrocketing costs of medical care in the U.S. and the long waiting lines in the U.K., people with carpal tunnel syndrome may not be able to avail of the surgery immediately or without impacting their finances. Such people can explore the options of medical care abroad in India, Mexico, or Costa Rica, where carpal tunnel decompression is much cheaper than that in either the U.S. or U.K.
Private tourist hospitals in India, Mexico, and Costa Rica are known for their high standards of their medical care. These hospitals are JCI accredited and have board-certified doctors working for them. Hence, you can look forward to quality care with the low cost of carpal tunnel decompression.
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Submit free quote request on right for considering low carpal tunnel decompression abroad.
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