Carpal tunnel surgery is sometimes recommended to treat severe symptoms – most notably, wrist and hand pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness – that do not improve sufficiently in response to conservative treatment. Located between the wrist and the base of the hand, the carpal tunnel forms a passageway for the median nerve, which transmits sensory signals between the brain and the hand. If inflammation and swelling cause this vital passageway to become obstructed, the resulting pressure on the median nerve can disturb its function and create discomfort. For prompt diagnosis and treatment of these types of symptoms, patients in Hampton, Williamsburg, Newport News, and the surrounding Virginia areas can consult with the hand specialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics.
After confirming a patient’s diagnosis through a clinical evaluation and possibly electrodiagnostic testing, the hand specialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics in Hampton Roads will fully discuss the patient’s treatment options, including the possible risks and potential outcomes. Prior to considering carpal tunnel surgery, we usually advise patients to attempt one or more non-surgical methods, such as:
If carpal tunnel surgery is recommended, the goal is to create more space for compressed neural tissue by releasing the ligament that forms the “roof” of the carpal tunnel on the palm side of the hand. In doing so, a surgeon can enlarge the carpal tunnel and alleviate pressure on the median nerve.
While carpal tunnel surgery is important, it represents just one aspect of a patient’s overall care. For an optimal outcome, our fellowship-trained hand surgeon (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), Dr. Robert Campolattaro, rely on the knowledge, training, and skills of the hand therapists at Tidewater Orthopaedics. Just like our surgeons, these therapists undertake rigorous training and obtain special certifications. For instance, a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is required to complete an exhaustive program that includes a minimum of five years of postgraduate experience and at least 4,000 hours in hand therapy, and then must successfully pass an examination administered by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission. Both before and after carpal tunnel surgery, our hand therapists work closely with our surgeons to collaboratively design a patient’s care and rehabilitation program.
The hand is an intricate and complex structure that is integral to countless daily activities. At Tidewater Orthopaedics, we offer advanced carpal tunnel surgery and other highly specialized treatments for a full range of hand and wrist conditions to help our patients reclaim their active lifestyles. To learn more, contact Tidewater Orthopaedics today at 757-827-2480. We see patients at both of our offices, which are conveniently located in Hampton, VA, and Williamsburg, VA.