Part 2 of 2 part series.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a continued discussion
Last week, a discussion on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome began, as it has become one of the most commonly seen orthopedic conditions affecting the hand today – second only to osteoarthritis.
Those at greatest risk include:
• Women (three times more likely to be affected than men), as CTS affects those subject to high hormone-related conditions such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause and hypothyroidism.
• Those on certain medications such as birth control pills, high blood pressure drugs and cortisone pills or shots.
• Medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and cysts and tumors within the carpal tunnel.
And today’s technologically savvy society seems to be increasingly predisposed to such “overstress” conditions as a result of the handheld device error cementing an electronic dependency that has been growing over the years. Recognizing that which predisposes us to CTS makes it easier to take preventative measures.
Such preventative CTS steps can be as simple as taking anti inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen, reducing the amount of time on an activity aggravating the condition and purchasing ergonomic aids for work environments, or as complex as adjusting other medications taken and addressing a primary condition to which it is frequently secondary.
While chronic CTS conditions nonresponsive to conservative treatment may require Dr. Collins’ minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release, rarely does the condition return once treated.
The endoscopic carpal tunnel release involves a tiny incision made at the base of the hand. A scope that is inserted illuminates and magnifies the view of the area. The scope has a small camera attached, which projects images onto a small monitor and guides the doctor through the carpal tunnel. The transverse carpal ligament forming a band across the wrist is cut slightly in order to relieve the pressure placed on the median nerve as it passes beneath the ligament.
Rehabilitation exercises then help patients quickly return to activity.
