Has anyone had treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ?

Question

Any comments ? as I have been told I shall possibly have to have an injection

Answer 1

There are several treatments, first your doctor needs to do some tests to see how bad your condition is. Treatment can be, depending on your situation, anti-inflammatory creams, pills, intramuscular injection, injection directly in the affected zone and/or surgery (which is supposed to be simple, relatively painless and very effective and will only be necessary if everything else fails)), or a combination of some, it also helps a lot to have hot and cold compresses. Anyway, it is up to your doctor to decide which is the best treatment for you.

Answer 2

I have had the operation on both wrists and it was entirely successful - no more pins and needles or waking in the middle of the night with a dead hand. It has been about 10 years since my last operation and no return of the syndrome. If you do need the operation, I suggest that as soon as you have had the stitches and dressings removed that you start exercising your hand, particularly by trying to touch your little finger against your thumb - I cannot touch my little finger against my thumb anymore because I was not told of the need to do the exercises in good time.

In terms of the operation, it is now normally undertaken under local anaesthetic and you are unlikely to be in overnight unless there are complications. You tend to have the stitches in for 10 days or so and may have a hefty dressing on the hand for most of this time that you must not get wet. You may have some discomfort for the first 48 hours but this can be eased with painkillers. You may need some help from a relative, partner or friend with day to day care as you may struggle with one hand. I would not recommend that you have the operation on both hands at the same time!

Answer 3

hi, i have had both hands operated on. First you are given wrist straps to wear, this is followed by steroid injections. If this does not work you will be offered release operations. My op's were not successful as i still have the symptoms, however not as bad. I have been advised not to have a further op as i have lost the power in my left hand and the right is quite weak. I had to change jobs and now don't work at all. I'm sure its not the same for everyone, but i hope my experience helps you make the decision. Good luck.

Answer 4

Symptoms most often occur in parts of the hand supplied by the median nerve: the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger, and half of the ring finger. The median nerve doesn't affect your little finger. So if your little finger is affected, you may not have carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms often occur in both hands, but they are usually worse in one hand than the other. You may first notice symptoms at night. People with carpal tunnel syndrome can usually fall asleep, but pain or numbness may wake them up. Not all pain in the wrist or hand is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. There are many other conditions with similar symptoms, such as: An injury to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones. Nerve problems in the fingers, elbow, or neck. Arthritis in the thumb joint or wrist.

Answer 5

Yes I also suffered for about 3 yrs,undergoing Cortisone type injections and splints. Finally I gave in to have the surgery,Its called Carpel Tunnel release, the major nerves to your hand become "trapped" in a tunnel in the wrist that allows for blood vessels and nerves to pass through,with repetitive motions and gripping things the tunnel becomes inflamed around the nerves causing numbness and severe pain etc. Had the surgery,it was all for the best,never had any problem since. SW RNP

Answer 6

I had bilateral carpal tunnel surgery in 1997....I had a job in which I had to do repetitive movement with my hands....At first, I would wear braces at night so I could sleep....After a while, the pain and numbness was so bad, I wore the braces to work too!...I went to a "orthopedic" doctor and he suggested surgery instead of shots....My hands are so much better now which may also be because I gave up my job....If you keep doing the same thing, there is a chance it will come back....Good luck!

Answer 7

Had surgery on my left wrist about 7years ago, really took about a year or more to be pain free.
There is a failure rate, I don't know the latest.
However I believe you can lose the use of your hand if severe symptoms are ignored, before my operation I could not sleep nights due to the pain. I could not remember when I slept thro a night previously.
Sleepless and pain was a way of life I had accepted.
So I had nothing to lose.
My right hand plays up with a lot of use, but it isn't so bad.
I have heard keyhole surgery is better, it was not available for me.

Answer 8

You should read up on Trigger point therapy. Muscle tensions can cause Carpal Tunnel symptoms. Before you try injections, operations and medication, read Trigger point Workbook by Clair Davies.

Answer 9

I have had surgery on both my hands and it was entirely successful. It is now about 15 years since I had it done and although I have been in the same job, I have not had anymore symptoms. If you can, have the surgery as the injections are only temporary. Good luck and Happy New Year.

Answer 10

Does writing hurt your hand like crazy? Mine does. I was told to buy this 'gel' or something that comes from a Mexican frog and it does wonders. I don't even know what that is and when I asked the pharmacy in Juárez, they looked at me funny then handed me bengay. Nothing works, not even the wrist bands. If you have someone to massage your hand and wrist, It feels nice. I was told about that injection too but don't know how much it costs and if its even effective. I'll check back to see if there's any solution to your question.