When looking at our site, you see the cosmetic applications of Dr. Hetzler’s surgical expertise, but that’s only part of what he can do for you. Dr. Hetzler is also adept at hand surgery, correcting problems caused by injuries and degenerative disorders. One of the most common hand disorders is carpal tunnel syndrome.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow, fibrous passage in the wrist that protects the median nerve. This is the nerve responsible for movement and sensation in the hand and thumb, index and middle fingers. It can become congested, leading to tingling and numbness in the fingers — carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Hetzler can open up this congestion and head off possible loss of strength and dexterity in the fingers.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome basically comes down to crowding through the carpal tunnel. Anything that decreases the amount of space in the carpal tunnel, increases the amount of tissue in the tunnel, or increases the sensitivity of the median nerve can lead carpal tunnel syndrome. This causes the carpal tunnel to squeeze and compress the median nerve. This is known as nerve impingement or entrapment and can lead to numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the affected fingers and thumb of the hand.
Symptoms
People who have repetitive jobs using their hands often suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, and it affects women more often than men. The condition usually begins as an ache in the wrist that may extend down to the forearm or up to the hand. As carpal tunnel syndrome worsens, the patient may experience tingling or numbness in the fingers or pain radiating through the entire arm. The tingling is a sign of issues with the nerve, and this can lead to weakness in the hand in question along with difficulty grasping small objects.
How we treat carpal tunnel syndrome
Dr. Hetzler has two goals when treating your carpal tunnel syndrome: to allow you to return to your normal function and activities, and to prevent nerve damage and the corresponding loss of muscle strength in your fingers and hands. Our team begins with conservative methods to treat carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Splints
- Physical therapy
- Utilizing cold packs to reduce inflammation through the carpal tunnel
- Corticosteroid injections
If these methods do not stop the pain and tingling in the fingers, Dr. Hetzler’s next option is to surgically relieve the pressure on the median nerve.
Carpal tunnel release
This procedure is called carpal tunnel release. The goal is to relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The procedure can restore muscle strength and dexterity.
Dr. Hetzler performs the procedure in two ways: endoscopically or through an open procedure. Which method we opt to perform depends on the individual situation of each patient.
Open carpal tunnel release involves a two-inch incision in the middle of the palm. This provides the surgeon a better view of the treated area and involves less risk of accidentally damaging nerves in the area.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release involves only two tiny incisions and makes for less post-operative pain and a faster return to work. There may be a slightly higher chance of needing another surgery down the road.
If you’ve begun to notice tingling in your fingers and pain in your wrist, you could be developing carpal tunnel syndrome and Dr. Hetzler should take a look at it. Call him at 732-219-0447 to make your appointment.
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