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Carpal Tunnel Treatment
Dealing with the tingling, numbness, and dull aches of carpal tunnel syndrome can be incredibly frustrating. These symptoms can make simple tasks like typing, holding objects, or even sleeping difficult. If you’ve been experiencing these issues, you know how disruptive and painful they can be.
Fortunately, there’s a solution. Dr. Robert Kimmel, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, specializes in hand surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause tingling, numbness, and dull aches in your hand, particularly from your thumb to your ring finger. It’s the most common site for upper extremity nerve compression, known as compression neuropathy.
Your wrist contains a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel, which carries multiple tendons and one of the hand’s major nerves (called the median nerve). Sometimes, pressure can build up within this tunnel due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, injury, fluid retention during pregnancy, overuse, or repetitive motion. This pressure on the median nerve causes the symptoms you’re experiencing.
You might also encounter other, less common types of nerve compressions, such as:
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: This occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at your elbow, leading to numbness and tingling in your inner forearm and ring and little fingers.
- Guyon Canal Syndrome: This happens when the ulnar nerve is compressed at your wrist, resulting in similar symptoms.
To confirm these diagnoses, our team performs tests to measure the speed of nerve conduction. Once confirmed, surgical release of these compressed areas can significantly relieve your symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome can manifest in various ways, often starting gradually and worsening over time. Common symptoms include:
- Tingling or Numbness: You may feel tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand, particularly in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. This sensation might occur while holding a steering wheel, phone, or newspaper, and it may wake you up from sleep.
- Weakness: You might experience weakness in your hand and have a tendency to drop objects. This is often due to the numbness or weakness of the thumb’s pinching muscles, which are also controlled by the median nerve.
- Pain: Pain may extend from your wrist up your arm to your shoulder or down into your palm or fingers. This pain can vary from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pains.
- Shock-like Sensations: You may experience shock-like sensations that radiate to your fingers. These sensations can be particularly noticeable when moving your fingers or wrist.
Carpal Tunnel Treatment
To relieve your symptoms, Dr. Kimmel performs a procedure called carpal tunnel release. This surgery involves dividing a thickened ligament that is compressing the median nerve at the base of your palm.
Dr. Kimmel performs this procedure in a state-licensed, nationally accredited ambulatory surgery center. The surgery is brief and done on an outpatient basis, using a combination of IV sedation and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
Why Choose Dr. Robert Kimmel?
If you need hand surgery, you want a qualified physician who excels in diagnosing and managing hand disorders. Dr. Robert Kimmel, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of clinical practice, is a distinguished member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). His experience makes him an excellent choice for those seeking relief from hand conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dr. Kimmel’s educational background is impressive, with a BA in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, an MS in Physiology from Georgetown University, and an MD from Temple University School of Medicine. He completed his surgical training with an internship at Thomas Jefferson Hospital and residencies at New York Medical College and Lehigh Valley Hospital. As the Medical Director of Keystone Surgery Center and a Clinical Associate Professor in plastic surgery, Dr. Kimmel ensures you receive the best possible care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carpal Tunnel Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Since hand surgery is performed primarily to correct physical abnormalities and maintain or restore function, it is considered ‘reconstructive’ in nature, so it can be a covered procedure under most health insurance plans. You can verify this by checking your policy or contacting your health insurance carrier.
What Is Recovery Like After Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
After your carpal tunnel release surgery, you’ll likely experience great elief from your symptoms right away. Some soreness and swelling in your wrist and hand are normal for the first few days. Keep your hand elevated and avoid strenuous activities during the first week.
Dr. Kimmel will give you specific care instructions for your surgical site. You might also need physical therapy or hand exercises to restore strength and flexibility. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days and normal activities in a few weeks. Full recovery may take a few months, but you can often return to work sooner.
What Can I Do at Home to Improve My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms?
There are several steps you can take at home to help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Rest Your Hands: Take regular breaks from activities that strain your wrists and hands, such as typing or using hand tools.
- Use Wrist Splints: Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, can keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
- Apply Ice: Ice packs can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Apply ice to your wrist for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Practice Gentle Stretching: Gentle stretching exercises for your hands and wrists can improve flexibility and reduce symptoms.
- Maintain Good Posture: Proper posture can help reduce strain on your wrists. Ensure your workstation is ergonomically set up to keep your wrists in a neutral position.
- Reduce Repetitive Movements: Try to minimize repetitive hand movements or alternate tasks to give your hands a break.
Will Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Go Away On Its Own?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes improve with rest and home remedies, especially in its early stages. However, if left untreated, it often worsens over time.
If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. Dr. Kimmel can evaluate you and recommend the best treatment options to prevent long-term damage.
Comprehensive Hand Surgery Solutions
Living with carpal tunnel syndrome can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Dr. Robert Kimmel and our dedicated team are here to provide the expert care and support you need. We proudly serve patients from Scranton, Allentown, Harrisburg, and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania, helping them find lasting relief from their symptoms.
Call us at 570-622-2900 for Pottsville or 570-455-4252 for Hazleton, or reach out via email. Let us help you regain comfort and functionality in your hands.
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