Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the carpal tunnel is compressed. Because carpal tunnel syndrome in Louisiana is a rather common condition, many people are familiar it. But this knowledge also leads to a fair amount of misinformation circulating as well. This article examines the six most common myths about this condition and debunks them with researched and reliable information.
Myth #1: Any pain or tingling in the hand is a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.
At the first sign of pain, numbness, or tingling, many people assume it’s a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if they use a computer for most of the day. But this isn’t necessarily the case. This condition has specific symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, but not the ring or pinky fingers. Also, the pain is typically worse at night.
Myth #2: Only people who work in a factory or type all day get carpal tunnel syndrome in Louisiana. Work-related conditions that involve high levels of hand-arm vibration or hand force are associated with a higher risk for carpal tunnel syndrome; however, there is no clinical evidence that work-related factors can cause it.
Myth #3: The only way to relieve the pain is surgery. Once diagnosed, surgery is not the only way to relieve the pain. There are several nonsurgical treatment options that can bring relief; these include:
• Resting the wrist by avoiding repetitive motion;
• Wearing a wrist brace;
• Using ice therapy;
• Taking NSAIDs or diuretics;
• Taking an oral corticosteroid such as prednisone;
• Receiving steroid injections.
Myth #4: Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is often not successful.
The surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is a common and highly successful procedure with a clinical success rate reported at 75 to 90%. Most patients experience a full recovery, with symptoms resolved and function restored.
Myth #5: Getting carpal tunnel surgery means being out work for a long time.
Many people won’t consider carpal tunnel surgery because they fear losing use of their hand for weeks or even months. But the recovery period for carpal tunnel release can be relatively quick; light non-repetitive use of the hand is permitted after about a week, when the bandage is removed.
Myth #6: The endoscopic approach presents more risk than open approach.
In the past, many patients were advised against the endoscopic approach for fear of higher risk for complications. However, current research shows that there’s no statistically significant added risk of complications from the endoscopic approach. Both approaches were equally effective in relieving symptoms and improving function and had similarly low rates of major complications
Have you been feeling numbness, tingling or pain in your thumb, index or middle fingers? If so, there is a possibility that you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome in Louisiana. To know for sure, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.