As the personal computer made its way into the lives of American citizens, carpal tunnel syndrome was not far behind. It has always existed as it is a syndrome that is caused by repetitive hand motion such as that encountered by the assembly line worker or the carpenter. But it has become much more prevalent as typing, pointing and clicking became a major part of everyone’s life. The pain and stiffness associated with this type of repetitive motion can signal the onset of a developing condition.

As the number of personal computers owned has risen, so has the number of cases of carpel tunnel syndrome. If you are among the victims and have consulted with a physician about your condition, you may be facing the prospect of surgery. Understanding what is involved in carpal tunnel surgery may help you make this difficult decision.

Your hands, fingers and wrists are able to perform the motions they do because of the nerves and ligaments that run through them. They are hard at work when you are. But when they are overworked, the median nerve in your wrist may become compressed. Repetitive motion causes the transverse carpel ligament to tighten creating pressure and discomfort, thus the name carpel tunnel syndrome. When surgery is performed, it is done to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.

The surgery is a simple procedure only requiring twilight anesthesia. The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the patient’s palm; he/she then cuts the transverse carpel ligament to ease the pressure that has built up on the median nerve. This creates more room for the other ligaments and eases the pain for the patient. There is a two to six week recovery period during which the ligament heals and scars over.

Surgery of any kind carries a risk and carpel tunnel surgery is no exception. Although usually effective, at least for a time, the patient faces the risk of losing some strength and feeling in their hand and/or arm. This surgery involves a number of tiny nerves and muscles that may experience trauma during the proceeding. In addition the syndrome may reoccur at a later time. The cost is also approximately $10,000 so it is not always an easy decision to make. Understanding what is involved and what your options are will make the decision a bit easier.

And keep in mind there are many alternative methods to preventing carpel tunnel syndrome naturally before resorting to surgery. If you can have a physical therapist recommended to you by your doctor, they can show you some exercise techniques that will help loosen that transverse carpal ligament and return the strength and flexibility to your arms. Regardless of whether you have surgery or not, you will need to spend some time learning these types of stretches and techniques, so you might want to give them a try before resorting to surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery may not be the quick fix you once thought it was. Therefore, you may benefit from first trying alternative forms of treatment before undergoing a surgical procedure that bears some risk.

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