subject: When You Should Start To Consider Undergoing Tunnel Surgery [print this page] Most cases of carpal tunnel can be treated without surgery, but there are times that patients need to really start thinking about tunnel surgery. While wanting to avoid surgery is understandable, it's not something that you should avoid if you are truly experiencing pain and a disruption in your daily activities. Rather than try to live with the pain, it's important for you to seriously consider the idea of going through with surgery and getting the relief that you need to have a normal life.
One of the reasons why you might want to start considering surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is if your symptoms have not improved for some time. A lot of patients will want to get right to surgery because they don't want to be without the full use of their hands or deal with the pain. However, it's much more advisable to go through with other treatment options before going through with surgery. If, however, you have tried non-surgical options for several months, it may be time to start talking about surgical options with your doctor.
Another time that you may want to start thinking about getting carpal tunnel surgery is when your condition is so severe that it restricts your daily activities. If your pain is persistent enough that it wakes you up at night or if you have a consistent inability to grip objects, then it may be time to seek a surgical option. If your life is constantly being interrupted by your condition, then there is no reason to put off thinking about what options you have for tunnel surgery. Your doctor will be able to talk this over with you and help you make a decision.
You will also want to start considering tunnel surgery if there is any damage to your median nerve or even the risk of damage to your nerve. Such damage can cause you to have lasting symptoms that will affect your daily life, so you'll want to avoid this if at all possible. Your doctor may encourage you to undergo a nerve test in order to see what the carpal tunnel has done to you so far. If the results suggest that damage has occurred or that damage may soon occur, then getting surgery is your best bet. Visit Brown Hand Center today, so that you can meet with one of our doctors and talk about your options.