Are you put under for carpal tunnel surgery?

Have you been told that you need carpal tunnel surgery but are not sure what to expect? You’re probably wondering if they’ll stick a needle in your hand and make it numb or give you general anesthesia, so let’s get into it.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve– which controls movement and feeling of the thumb and fingers — becomes compressed. It can lead to pain, numbness and tingling in the hands similar to wearing gloves all day long.

The Anatomy Of A Disaster

Think of CTS as an unending traffic jam on a freeway during rush hour. Because there’s too much traffic – such as inflammation from repetitive motion injury – cars aren’t moving at optimal speed, affecting drivers who may have work deadlines or wanton cravings for pizza from their favorite parlor three exits away – but alas! They’re stuck on this eternal slumber called “I-495”. And yes, just like road rage sets in when drivers can’t reach their desired exit point , so does pain set in with folks with CTS because.. well frankly speaking… our nerves don’t know how else to react!

Is Surgery Required For Treatment?

In many cases rest from everyday activities combined with splint immobilization should do the trick over time; however some advanced cases require invasive treatment options such steroid injections down into those tiny tunnels located near our wrists known as… drumroll please…the carpal tunnels!! Good heavens!

Mallets Vs Knives: Which One Sounds More Painful?!

No matter which way we choose cut through this unwanted ‘tissue blockage’ inside these narrow pathways that eventually end up compressing our dear old friend- The Median Nerve, trust me people still dread visiting their doctors. But would you rather opt for someone bringing out a giant hammer to break down that stubborn clog or would you swallow that bitter pill, get knocked out and let someone who has attended years of “cutting school” make an incision on your wrist with precision using medical instruments ?

What Happens During Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

Carpal tunnel release surgery involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) located at the base of our wrists which create a portion of our carpal tunnels. This then increases space within it therefore taking pressure off from dear ol ‘ Median Nerve.

There are two types of anesthesia options for treatment: General Anesthesia where You’re completely unconscious or numb in specific areas around your arms; Or local anesthesia- numbing just your hands and fingers. The latter is typically what people choose so they can chit chat with their surgeons throughout the procedure without sounding like a moody teen recovering from wisdom teeth removal!

The Procedure Itself

On average, this simple outpatient procedure takes less than twenty minutes ; however doctors may take extra precaution if you come in dreary eyed and singing hymns straight from church! Once lying down on the operating table , Mayo clinic recommends positioning patients’ hand under arms during their surgical procedures ! Yep underarms sound like one convenient place to store things but I am yet to confirm or deny anything coming outta there afterwards……..

Recovery Time Frame & Return To Normal Activities

Immediately after completing surgery leave wrapped up in bandages along with numbing medicine added onto those incisions sites(hello opioids!), swelling could last up anywhere between several weeks upto three months depending on severity so DO NOT…I repeat DO NOT force yourself back into overtime before recommended period…pretty please?For once think about how much work desks cost?! This downtime we’ll give us ample time to catch up with all cheesy Hallmark movies!!

Rehab Like A Champ !

It’s usually encouraged to use your weaker hand often throughout this healing process. If you’re not ambidextrous then it’s the perfect opportunity to write 100 reasons why my least favorite relative is who they are or learn how to knit beanies for your dogs (because having cold ears in winter is just terrible!) Nevertheless, remember practice makes perfect so we gotta be consistent no?

Back To The Grind

Some folks MAY be able return right back into their regular routines immediately after a week following surgery yet some may have ease themselves back up towards productivity levels over a span of time with schedules built around physical therapy sessions and dry humor! Okay maybe not that last part but giggle at something during those dreaded tech suppot calls – trade secret!!

Conclusion

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has plagued many people for years and been treated with various methods such as injections, exercises or splints; however there always comes a point when surgery becomes necessary. While it can initially sound daunting trading bad wrist pain days in exchange for typical post-surgical discomforts BUT rest assured- next thing you’ll know -the world’s newbies will emerge from hibernation and we’d want to get our happy joints move more than ever.. Until then let these numb fingers’ help us channel our inner artist mumbling “Et tu brute?” while enjoying an ice cream cone as though everything happening outside work does NOT require our immediate attention.

So folks aspiring to embark on this enchanted journey of carpal tunnel oblivion , make sure you spend quality time getting educated about options available beforehand rather than relying solely on the impulse decision within your head….I hear Ancient Greek philosophers preferred flip coins? Who knew?!

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