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What is it?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand. Numbness and tingling involving the thumb, index and middle finger are the most common symptoms seen with carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms are often severe at night. You may have a tendency to drop things because of the hand feeling clumsy. Occasionally the numbness or pain may involve the other fingers or move up into the forearm. Unless treated, the symptoms tend to progress, eventually leading to constant numbness and occasionally to loss of strength in the hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by its typical symptoms in conjunction with an examination by your physician. Often the diagnosis is confirmed by tests to measure the electrical activity of the nerve in the hand (nerve conduction studies or EMG).

What causes it?

The symptoms are caused from pressure on the nerve. Conditions seen with carpal tunnel syndrome include: diabetes, hypothyroidism, and arthritis. Carpal tunnel can also be seen after fractures or dislocations in the wrist and with pregnancy.

How is it diagnosed?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by its typical symptoms in conjunction with an examination by your physician. Often the diagnosis is confirmed by tests to measure the electrical activity of the nerve in the hand (nerve conduction studies or EMG). We are able to perform these tests in our office.

What are the symptoms?

Numbness and tingling involving the thumb, index and middle finger are the most common symptoms seen with carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms are often severe at night. You may have a tendency to drop things because of the hand feeling clumsy. Occasionally the numbness or pain may involve the other fingers or move up into the forearm.

What are the treatments?

The use of a splint, anti-inflammatory medicines (i.e. Advil) or a cortisone injection are the most reliable non-surgical treatments. If the symptoms are not eliminated or are already severe, surgery is recommended. The goal of treatment is to relieve the pressure on the nerve. Surgery is done through a small incision in the wrist with endoscopic carpal tunnel, or with an incision in the palm with open carpal tunnel surgery. The surgery is done in an outpatient facility.

Dr. Helgemo’s preferred method is endoscopic carpal tunnel release. It is now done through a 1/2” incision in the wrist and the incision is closed with glue rather than stitches. There is not usually a need for prescription pain medicine after surgery, and you are able to resume most of your activities immediately after surgery. The minimally-invasive nature of this procedure along with Dr. Helgemo’s extensive experience (over 2500 cases over the past ten years) have led to excellent results with minimal risks.  According recent AHCA data, Dr. Helgemo is Florida's leading endoscopic carpal tunnel surgeon.

Are there any restrictions after surgery?

Your hand will be placed in a lightweight brace following surgery. You are encouraged to move your fingers after surgery and keep your hand elevated; this will reduce the pain and swelling in your hand. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are usually adequate for any pain you may experience. You should not lift more than a pound, do any forceful gripping, or engage in any repetitive activity (ie needlework, fishing, etc.) until allowed by your surgeon. Both you and the surgeon will discuss when you may return to work, and/or any other restrictions you may have.

What are the results of the surgery?

The results of carpal tunnel surgery are excellent with greater than 95 percent patient satisfaction. The pain in the fingers, especially the symptoms you have at night are usually the first symptoms to improve after surgery. Carpal tunnel surgery, however, like any medical procedure, involves risk. Possible complications include incomplete relief of symptoms, pain, nerve or tendon injury, infection, and need for further surgery. Fortunately, these occur with only a very small number of patients.