These are my personal opinions about when to get carpal tunnel surgery. It is not medical advice. I am not a doctor. I cannot give you medical advice. These are my own thoughts, based on my personal experience.
Okay, so you’re wondering whether or not it’s time to get carpal tunnel surgery? You probably know that the procedure is not complicated. Really, it’s quite simple and over within one half hour. Here is a recap of my surgery, on my right hand. People often go for that quick-fix in life, so surgery seems like the right choice. Personally, I’d encourage you to think twice before deciding.
Aside from the fact that there are always some risks associated with taking a blade to your body, there is also no guarantee the procedure will give you the relieve your symptoms. No. Guarantee. If your symptoms are relieved, there may be some consequences, such as weakness, loss in range of motion, or the return of symptoms over time.
Considering all of this, I still made the decision to have carpal tunnel surgery on both of my hands.
Related: What To Expect During the Surgery
Related: What to Expect During Recovery
7 Signs it’s Time to Get Carpal Tunnel Surgery
- You have a confirmed diagnosis of carpal tunnel from a medical doctor and medical tests, such as nerve testing, MRI, etc.
- You’ve used conservative treatment methods, such as splinting your hand(s) in the day, evening, while sleeping, or all of the above. Perhaps you’ve tried physical therapy and based on number 1, you have ruled out other possible causes of your carpal tunnel symptoms.
- Your carpal tunnel symptoms are persistent for a period of six months or more, despite conservative treatments. That doesn’t mean that you had symptoms for two months, none for three, then again for two. I’m talking about six straight months of symptoms.
- You are frequently wake up during sleep, due to the numbing of your hand(s). It’s difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
- Your carpal tunnel symptoms cause significant interference with your day-to-day life.Are your symptoms interfering with your ability to perform a job you were previously capable of doing? Do you drop things regularly? Are your hands or wrist weak or do they feel unstable? Do your hands become numb when you are driving or performing other tasks that could be dangerous under these circumstances? Is the pain unrelieved with medications, or causing you to take medications for a long periods of time? If any or all of these things are true, you might benefit from carpal tunnel surgery.
- Your doctor has discussed all other options with you and agrees you should consider whether it’s time to get carpal tunnel surgery.
- You are able to take the time needed to to heal. This may mean time off of work, school, housework, and more. Each person heals differently. I was able to move my fingers and use them in small ways the same day of my surgery. However, I am still not able to perform simple tasks such as opening a bottle or door, nearly two weeks after my procedure. I cannot flat-iron my hair. I cannot wash dishes. (WINNING!) I am able to type this post.
Do you think it’s time to get carpal tunnel surgery? What are your concerns and do you have any other questions I might be able to answer? Let me know in the comments!
I hope this was helpful! Remember, every experience is different. If you liked this article, please remember to share. Also, check out my Facebook Pages and follow along on my other social media platforms. I’d love to connect with you!
By: Alicia Gonzalez
