Bluegrass Orthopaedics3480 Yorkshire Medical ParkVaried
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist in Lexington, KY
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and forearm and is characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, is compressed within the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway on the palm side of the wrist. If you are experiencing symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further nerve damage to the hand and wrist.
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your hands and wrists impacting your daily activities or keeping you up at night, talk to your orthopedic specialist. Hand and wrist discomfort symptoms include numbness and tingling, especially in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. These sensations can often disturb sleep, particularly at night. Early diagnosis and treatment can be beneficial in addressing these issues.
Pain and a burning sensation can extend from the fingers up the arm towards the shoulder, making daily activities uncomfortable. Hand weakness may also develop, leading to clumsiness and difficulty with delicate motor tasks like buttoning clothes. Some individuals may find themselves dropping objects frequently due to a weakened grip or loss of sensation.
How Will My Bluegrass Orthopedic Specialist Diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, contact our orthopedic experts atBluegrass Orthopaedics. With offices in Georgetown, Morehead, Lexington, and Hamburg, KY, Bluegrass Orthopaedics specializes in diagnosing this hand and wrist pain. The diagnostic process typically involves a comprehensive review of your medical history, a thorough physical examination, and, in some instances, the administration of nerve conduction studies (NCS) andelectromyography(EMG) to assess nerve function and identify any potential damage.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of CTS. Some people are genetically predisposed due to the natural structure of their wrists, making them more vulnerable to this condition. Repetitive hand use, especially activities that involve continuous hand movements or extreme wrist positions, increases the risk of nerve compression. Pregnancy is another factor, as hormonal changes can cause swelling that puts pressure on the median nerve. Additionally, certain health conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders, are associated with a higher likelihood of developing CTS.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?
Early intervention is key to managing CTS effectively. At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, we offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment options depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Non-surgical treatments include wrist bracing or splinting, particularly at night, to help relieve pressure on the median nerve. Anti-inflammatory medications are also commonly used to reduce pain and swelling. Modifying your workstation or daily activities to improve ergonomics can alleviate symptoms over time. Physical therapy, including specific exercises designed to enhance nerve mobility, may also be recommended.
In cases where non-surgical treatments do not provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. Carpal tunnel release surgery is considered when symptoms are severe or if conservative treatments fail to resolve the issue. This procedure involves relieving pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel.
Expert Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctors in Lexington, KY
At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized care for individuals suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. We offer a full spectrum of treatment options, from conservative management to advanced surgical solutions, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible care to restore hand function and relieve pain. Request an appointment with Bluegrass Orthopedics today.
We offer in-office procedures for various surgeries, which significantly reduces the cost for our patients compared to traditional methods. Our aim is to enhance the quality of care while minimizing the financial burden on our patients, ultimately providing greater value to those who are most important to us.
Advantages:
No general anesthesia = no nausea or vomiting
Much less cost to our patients
As safe as formal operating room
Equivalent or even better outcomes
No need for a driver
You can eat and drink like normal
If you have health problems you can avoid anesthesia
You get to talk and ask questions during the procedure, leading to better communication & more time with the surgeon
We have worked diligently to set this up because we believe it is better for you, the patient.
Surgery has proven to be an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome when conservative treatment methods aren't achieving the desired result. As part of the surgery, the tissues of the ligament will gradually grow back together while allowing more room for the median nerve. Let's look at the three main types of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery offered at Bluegrass Orthopaedics.
Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
With open carpaltunnel release surgery, a surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament toalleviate the pressure on the median nerve and relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
A small incision ismade at the base of the palm to provide visibility of the transverse carpalligament. Once the ligament is cut, the incision is closed using stitches. Thegap left by the cut ligament naturally fills with scar tissue over time.
Open carpal tunnelrelease surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowingpatients to return home on the same day. The procedure is commonly done underlocal anesthesia, eliminating the need for a hospital stay.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
This procedureinvolves the use of an endoscope, a thin tube equipped with a camera, which isinserted through a small incision in either the wrist (single-portal technique)or both the wrist and palm (two-portal technique). This allows doctors to visualize and access the structures within the wrist,such as the transverse carpal ligament, without the need for a large incision.
The cutting tools are incredibly small and areinserted through the same small incisions made in the wrist or wrist and palm.
Byperforming endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery, Bluegrass Orthopaedicseffectively cuts the transverse carpal ligament, thereby alleviating pressureon the median nerve. As a result, the symptoms associated with carpal tunnelsyndrome are relieved.
Ultrasound guidance and UltraGuideCTR™
The use of Ultrasound guidance and UltraGuideCTR™, is a procedure that uses ultrasound guidance to provide fast relief with minimized recovery time. The ultrasound delivers highly accurate imaging of the wrist anatomy for advanced precision and efficiency. This procedure allows for patients to realize immediate motion and get back to their daily activities sooner.
Some of the Main Benefits Include:
- Most of our patients can return to work and otheractivities within 3 to 6 days. - We offer convenient in-office treatment and same-dayrecovery. - Minimized wrist incision, leaving minimal scarring without requiring sutures. - Postoperative pain management only requiresover-the-counter medications.
