Carpal Tunnel Release in Durango & Pagosa Springs, CO
Nerve compression can be a frustrating and painful condition. Left alone, nerve compression may progress to a debilitating condition which compromises the function of the hand and may make the hand more prone to injury due to numbness. There are multiple therapies available for the treatment of nerve compression ranging from stretching exercise, splinting, injections, and surgery. Dr. Williams completed an additional fellowship in Hand & Microsurgery; as such, he is a Hand Surgeon. Thus he is well qualified to help elucidate the cause of the symptoms which you are experiencing. Through his thorough history and examination, he can recommend extra testing that may need to be done as well as help you navigate the various treatment options which are available.
Recurrent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome can occur due to a variety of reasons. In addition, other conditions such as pronator teres syndrome may masquerade as untreated or recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. If you feel you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome after having undergone a carpal tunnel release, it is important to be evaluated by a surgeon who is well-versed in the proper evaluation and treatment of compression neuropathies such as Dr. Williams.
Types of Carpal Tunnel Release
There are different types of carpal tunnel release and you should choose a surgeon with whom you are comfortable and who has the proper training to recommend the procedure that is best suited to meet your needs.
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: This is a procedure by which the surgeon utilizes a small incision at the wrist crease to gain access to the carpal tunnel. Using specialized equipment, the surgeon releases the transverse carpal ligament to help relieve symptoms.
- Open Carpal Tunnel Release: This is a procedure whereby the surgeon makes an incision in the palm over the area of the carpal tunnel. This incision allows the surgeon to fully expose the carpal tunnel in order to explore and inspect the median nerve.
- Internal Neurolysis: This is an adjunctive procedure which is indicated in severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome in which the surgeon needs to explore the nerve and free it from scar tissue with the aide of an operating microscope.
What is the Recovery After Carpal Tunnel Release?
A plaster hand splint will be made and applied at the end of the surgery. This splint will need to be worn for 2 weeks after surgery, at which time, it is removed and sutures are taken out. A patient my return to work within the first week after surgery, but return to full function with heavy lifting may not be possible until 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.
For more information on Carpal Tunnel Release, or to schedule a consultation, call Peak Rejuvenation at (970) 259-5990 or Request a Consultation.