Can Carpal Tunnel Come Back After Surgery?
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Anytime you are considering surgery to correct a medical condition, it is only logical to wonder how long your results may last and whether or not the problem could return again in the future. This is especially true for men and women suffering from the painful, frustrating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Experienced orthopedic provider Dr. Christopher Williams and the knowledgeable team at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta are proud to offer a number of highly effective carpal tunnel treatment options to give patients fast, long-lasting relief, including minimally invasive alternatives to surgical intervention. If you are facing carpal tunnel surgery, learn more about what to expect here.
What is carpal tunnel?
The term “carpal tunnel” actually refers to a channel in the wrist which partially houses the median nerve. This important nerve originates in the hand and runs up through the length of the arm. For a variety of reasons, the median nerve can become compressed within the carpal tunnel, leading to the painful, irritating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
What causes carpal tunnel?
Most often, carpal tunnel pain is caused by repetitive motion, poor position, or excessive use of the hands and wrists. In many cases, this is related to a person’s job. However, certain medical conditions or genetic factors can also put a person at greater risk for developing carpal tunnel. Common risk factors and causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Repetitive motions, including cutting, sewing, gripping, and typing
- Pregnancy
- Being female (women are generally at higher risk for carpal tunnel)
- Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity
- Wrist injury
- Family history of carpal tunnel
How do I know if I have carpal tunnel?
Hand and wrist pain can occur for countless reasons and may not always mean there is a serious problem. Oftentimes, patients present with symptoms that are similar to those of carpal tunnel, but Dr. Williams is able to rule out the diagnosis upon further evaluation. Because true carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to significant damage if left untreated, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified, skilled provider to obtain an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment, if needed.
Classic signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel to watch out for include:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, or fingers (thumb, index, and middle)
- Weak grip
- Difficulty holding things
- Muscle pain or cramping in the hands, arms, or fingers
- Itching or burning in the hands, arms, or fingers
- Symptoms worsen at night
Does carpal tunnel surgery last forever?
The results of carpal tunnel surgery can vary from patient to patient and depend on the severity of the symptoms, how long the patient had the condition, and other factors. In some cases, patients achieve relief from their symptoms that lasts indefinitely. However, other patients may experience a subsequent case of carpal tunnel, particularly if they resume the behaviors that led to their symptoms in the first place. While there is certainly a risk of recurrence, severe cases of carpal tunnel may require surgical intervention to avoid further worsening of the condition, permanent damage, and other complications.
Can carpal tunnel be treated without surgery?
Although surgery may be necessary in severe cases of carpal tunnel, many patients may be able to achieve reliable, long-lasting relief without the need for surgery. During your consultation at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta, Dr. Williams will conduct a thorough examination, take a detailed health and lifestyle history, and perform a variety of advanced tests to diagnose your condition and determine the underlying cause. Believe it or not, some early cases of carpal tunnel may be reversed simply through behavioral modification.
When the condition has progressed enough that lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies are not effective, Dr. Williams can help patients achieve relief with the use of cutting-edge minimally invasive treatments and techniques, including PRP therapy, nonsurgical Regenexx® therapy (cell regeneration), and more.
Say goodbye to wrist pain with carpal tunnel treatment in Atlanta, GA
The caring and compassionate team at Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta fully understands the frustrating, discouraging, and often debilitating nature of carpal tunnel syndrome and takes great pride in helping men and women achieve quick, long-lasting relief. If you are suffering from the symptoms of carpal tunnel, we invite you to call us and schedule an in-office appointment or convenient online consultation with skilled physician Dr. Christopher Williams. Don’t spend another day in pain; find out your carpal tunnel treatment options in Atlanta today!