Carpal tunnel surgery

SueLyn

I have been recently diagnosed by Royal Free Hospital with carpal tunnel in both wrists. I’m seeing my local gp next week to discuss results from the tests I have done, and I am expecting they will say day surgery.

Has anyone else had CT surgery before on their wrists, what can I expect, how long is recovery? I also have osteoarthritis in both hands.

I wear splints at night and have done for many years, but think it’s got worse. I suffer from tingling, pins and needles as well as numbness on first three fingers on each hand. It’s making me very depressed and is quite painful, I don’t take any meds.

Any comments would help, thank you. Sue

Trish9556

Hi @suelyn

I haven't had carpal tunnel syndrome but I have had a trapeziectomy. The surgeon who did that, and also does carpal tunnel surgery tells people to throw their splints away or he does it himself. Constantly wearing splints on joints doesn't help and not using joints can make it worse.

Compression gloves might help you better. I would also suggest paracetamol at night to ease the pain.

See what your gp says and listen to advice. If you are referred for surgery have an honest conversation with them

Recovery from surgery is hard but do the exercises and follow instructions and you will be fine

Trish

SueLyn

Trish, tx for reply. I don’t know the surgery you had, is it similar to CT surgery? How long did it take you to recover?

I also use to wear compression gloves too. I only wear splints at night, never heard that it can do more damage, I thought it helps with the pain.

claudsl

Hi @SueLyn

Here's some information on CT syndrome for you to have a read through. Unfortunately, I don't have much knowledge on this so hopefully this helps a little. As for splints, some doctors would say they aren't beneficial, but many would also say they are. I'd say if they help you, just continue using them.

claudsl

Carpal tunnel syndrome | Causes, symptoms, treatment