Carpal tunnel

Symptoms
Pain, tingling and numbness occur on the inside of the thumb, pointing and middle fingers and part of the ring finger of the hand. In late cases there is lameness, wasting and weakness of the thumb muscles.

The symptoms are often worse at night and when the arm is rested. It helps to shake or massage the hand.

There is difficulty handling small objects and wringing out cloths because of the numbness in the fingertips

Prognosis
The syndrome may pass over on its own, if the symptoms occur during pregnancy they will return to normal in most cases after giving birth.

Treatment
Injections of corticosteroids may help in some cases.

In the majority of cases with carpal tunnel syndrome operative division of the transversal ligament to provide more room for the nerve offers a quick and simple cure.

Before Surgery
What is important for you as a patient?

It is important to wash the hands thoroughly before surgery to prevent infection occurring in the operation wound. There are lots of small wrinkles and hiding places on the hands and fingers, especially when one cannot stretch the fingers completely.

We ask you therefore to follow this regime;

The day before operation:
Soak the hands in a soft soap solution (one table spoon of soft soap in 5—10 litre of water) for 15 minutes, then wash the hands well and dry with a clean towel. You may do this before retiring for the night.

(before leaving for the hospital).
Wash the hands with Hibiscrub solution for 2 minutes.
Hibiscrub can be purchased from the chemist shop.

After Surgery
There is a soft bandage covering the wound. You must bend and stretch your fingers as soon as possible achieving full bend and full extension during the first days despite the pain.

The sutures are to be removed after 10 -14 days.

NB! It is usual to feel pain in the wound and scar after surgery. These pains may last from a few months until approximately 6 months.