Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The median nerve, a large nerve supplying some of your hand’s function, enters the hand from your forearm by passing through a tunnel bound on the back of your wrist by several bones, and on the palm side of your wrist by a thick ligament called the transverse carpal ligament. This tunnel is called the Carpal Tunnel.

If the nerve becomes compressed within the tunnel, it fails to function normally and the symptoms of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome result. It is possible for conditions which cause swelling of the body, or for lumps such a ganglion (fluid filled cysts) to result in compression of the median nerve, but the usual cause for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is called “idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome” the cause of which is not fully understood.

CTS is a common hand disorder; approximately 1 in 10 people in Australia have surgery for this condition during their lifetime. It is especially common in late pregnancy, following childbirth, and is more common in individuals with medical conditions including diabetes or thyroid disease.

A person with carpal tunnel syndrome would usually experience pins and needles and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, ring and often the little finger, in addition to pain in the wrist sometimes going up into the forearm. If you have numbness in the little finger, this is due to compression of a different nerve called the ulnar nerve, often at the wrist or the elbow.

CTS can develop over a short period, or often over a period of some months or years. The affected hand may feel weaker than normal and clumsy. Sufferers often drop items or find it difficult to manipulate small items. The symptoms can cause insomnia and can be quite debilitating if severe. CTS can occur in both hands at the same time.

A specialist orthopaedic surgeon (read about Dr Jarrett) should assess you and your hand to confirm the diagnosis, ensure there are no additional conditions present to cause the symptoms and to investigate any particular causes for the Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

Sometimes an additional nerve test called Nerve Conduction, or EMG Studies can be useful to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain how poorly the nerve is working. Your doctor may also arrange an ultrasound to help establish whether you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Nerve conduction studies are carried out by a Neurologist who passes small electric currents within your arm and hands to measure the way that the electrical signals travel along the nerves. It is not necessary for every patient with CTS to have nerve conduction studies before having treatment.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagram
Pins and needles and numbness in numbness in your hands (often your thumb, index and middle fingers) can be caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Most people also suffer discomfort to varying degrees. Other conditions which can cause tingling and numb hands include compression of the median nerve (higher up your limb), compression of other nerves (including the nerves in your neck) and a number of other medical conditions which can cause similar symptoms. If your symptoms are of concern to you then we recommend you visit your G.P. They will be able to diagnose whether you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and advise of your options for treatment.
Talking to you and examining your hand and arm is usually all that’s required to diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Nerve conduction studies with a Neurologist or an ultrasound are optional test which can help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosis. Your G.P or Dr Jarrett will only request these tests if necessary.
Yes. If you have (or had) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on one hand it’s possible to get it on the other side too.
We recommend you visit your G.P first. If your G.P feels you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome they may recommend night splints, exercises, or further investigation. If they feel specialist advice and treatment is the best option for you, they will provide a referral letter which you can use at our clinic.

About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In this video Dr Paul Jarrett explains what Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is, how it can affect your hand, wrist and forearm, and what treatments are available to stop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. 

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Did you know?
Dr Paul Jarrett performs over 200 Carpal Tunnel operations every year!

Use of your hand will be limited for the first two to three days following treatment. During this time, it can help to elevate your hand as much as possible. You’ll find gradual improvement day by day. Most people will see significant improvement after two weeks and will be able to resume more challenging activities after four weeks. It can take several months until you return to full grip strength and feel no tenderness around the wound area.
After 2 days, you can remove the bandages keeping the dressing in place. We recommend you keep your wound clean and dry for 10 days after surgery. 10 days after your operation, you can remove the dressing, wash and moisturise as normal. Over the next 2-3 days the little absorbable sutures tend to fall out. If you prefer not to remove your own dressing, our clinical nurse, Emma, will remove it at your two-week follow up appointment.
If your dressing gets soaked within the first 10 days, we recommend it be changed. This can be done at our clinic, by your G.P, or by yourself. We are happy to talk with you over the phone to provide advice following treatment.
You can return to driving when you feel comfortable that you have sufficient strength and function in your hands to enable you to drive safely in any situation.

Ready to remedy your carpal tunnel syndrome?

Use this form to send us your referral letter and we’ll call you back to arrange an appointment. Dr Jarrett will assess your condition and advise on the best treatment option for you. If you have any questions / concerns, please call us on 1300 527 738.
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    After your operation.

    In this video, our Orthopaedic Nurse, Emma, explains how to care for and dress your wound after Carpal Tunnel Surgery. 

    Get an expert opinion from Dr Jarrett