Specialized Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Care by Dr. Karn Maheshwar at Krisha Hand Hospital
The carpal tunnel is a rigid passage in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments, housing the median nerve and several tendons. When this tunnel narrows or the surrounding tissues swell, it exerts pressure on the median nerve, leading to the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
This condition is more prevalent in individuals who engage in repetitive hand movements or have underlying health issues that increase susceptibility.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and worsen over time. Early recognition is crucial for effective treatment. Common symptoms include:
Often felt in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, especially during sleep or after repetitive activities.
Difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks, such as buttoning a shirt.
Radiating pain from the wrist up the arm or down into the palm and fingers.
A feeling of swelling in the fingers, even when no visible swelling is present.
Several factors can contribute to the development of CTS, including:
Several factors increase the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including lifestyle habits and medical conditions. Identifying them early can help prevent or reduce symptoms.
Repetitive hand movements, vibrating tools, and poor ergonomics can strain the wrist and median nerve.
CTS is more common after age 30 and occurs more frequently in women.
Diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disorders, and obesity increase nerve compression risk.
Pregnancy and menopause can cause fluid retention and tendon changes.
A smaller carpal tunnel or family history can raise susceptibility.
Smoking, stress, and overuse of hands without breaks can worsen strain.
Accurate diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is essential for effective treatment. A healthcare professional will typically use a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests to confirm the condition. Below is a detailed look at the process:
The first step in diagnosing CTS is obtaining a detailed medical history. The doctor may ask questions such as:
The doctor will perform a physical examination of your hands, wrists, and arms. They may:
Nerve conduction studies are one of the most definitive diagnostic tools for CTS. This test measures how well electrical signals travel through the median nerve. A slowing of signals in the wrist area can confirm nerve compression.
An EMG test may be conducted to evaluate the electrical activity of muscles and assess whether there’s any nerve damage. Thin needles are inserted into the muscles to record electrical signals during rest and contraction.
Ultrasound imaging can help visualize the structure of the median nerve and surrounding tissues, identifying any swelling or abnormalities
An MRI may be used in rare cases to detect structural problems, such as a cyst or tumor, that could be compressing the nerve.
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Dedicated to empowering patients, educating doctors, and preventing hand injuries across workplaces and daily life.
Non-surgical treatments are usually recommended in early or mild cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These options may provide symptom relief but often do not treat the root cause, and symptoms can return over time.
Night splints keep the wrist neutral and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Cons: Temporary relief; compression may persist.
Targeted exercises improve wrist mobility and reduce strain. Dr. Karn Maheshwari provides customized physiotherapy plans.
Cons: May not fully relieve nerve compression in severe cases.
Anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections help reduce swelling and pain.
Cons: Short-term relief; repeated use may weaken tissues.
Ergonomic changes and regular breaks reduce wrist strain.
Cons: Not practical for all jobs and cannot reverse nerve damage.
While these treatments can ease symptoms, carpal tunnel release surgery is often the most effective long-term solution for moderate to severe cases, as it directly relieves median nerve compression and restores hand function.
Surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments fail or symptoms are severe, such as ongoing pain, numbness, or hand weakness affecting daily activities. The goal of surgery is to relieve median nerve pressure by cutting the transverse carpal ligament.
Carpal tunnel release is a common and effective procedure that reduces symptoms and prevents long-term nerve damage. There are two main surgical techniques:
There are two main techniques for this surgery: Open surgery and Endoscopic surgery.
Procedure:
A small 2–3 cm incision is made on the palm near the wrist. The surgeon directly cuts the transverse carpal ligament to release pressure on the median nerve.
Advantages:
Procedure:
One or two small incisions (under 1 cm) are made. An endoscope guides the surgeon in cutting the transverse carpal ligament with minimal tissue disruption.
Advantages:
Post-surgical recovery varies based on the individual and the severity of the condition. Here’s what to expect
Symptom relief: Many patients notice a significant reduction in symptoms like
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) involves adopting strategies to reduce pressure on the median nerve and avoid repetitive wrist movements that contribute to the condition. Here are some key preventive measures:
1. Ergonomics and Workspace Setup
2. Hand & Wrist exercises: Regularly perform stretches and strengthening exercises for your wrists and hands to improve flexibility and reduce strain.
3. Maintain healthy weight: Excess weight can increase the risk of CTS by adding pressure to the carpal tunnel. Aim for a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
4. Avoid repetitive movements: Try to avoid prolonged repetitive wrist motions. Alternate tasks and use ergonomic tools to minimize strain.
5. Manage health conditions: Conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of CTS. Properly managing these conditions can help prevent nerve damage.
6. Good posture: Maintain proper posture to ensure your wrist stays in a neutral position, avoiding unnecessary strain on the carpal tunnel.
7. Use protective gear: For individuals engaging in activities that require repetitive hand movements, wearing wrist braces or splints can provide additional support.
8. Use protective gear: For individuals engaging in activities that require repetitive hand movements, wearing wrist braces or splints can provide additional support.
We understand that dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be frustrating and painful. Here’s why patients across Ahmedabad trust us for their care:
He is a highly trained hand & wrist surgeon with years of experience in treating complex hand and wrist conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. His dual specialization ensures that you receive both surgical precision and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation.
We believe that no two patients are the same. Dr. Maheshwari tailors each treatment plan based on your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences, ensuring you get the most effective and least invasive care possible.
When surgery is necessary, we use the latest techniques to reduce scarring, shorten recovery times, and get you back to your daily activities faster.
Our in-house physiotherapy team, led by Dr. Maheshwari, provides targeted rehabilitation exercises post-surgery to ensure optimal recovery and restore hand function as quickly as possible.
Our hospital is equipped with modern medical technologies, ensuring precise diagnostics and advanced treatment options for every patient.
From your first consultation to your follow-up care, our team is dedicated to providing a comfortable, compassionate experience. We prioritize open communication, answering all your questions and keeping you informed every step of the way.
We provide a comprehensive range of services for CTS, including diagnosis, non-surgical treatment options (such as splinting and physical therapy), and surgical intervention when necessary. Our team specializes in managing CTS to help restore hand function and alleviate pain.
To schedule an appointment, you can call our hospital directly at +91 75677 63301, or book your appointment online at your convenience. We also offer teleconsultation for patients who prefer remote consultation. Our staff will assist you throughout the scheduling process and provide all the necessary information you may need.
During your first consultation, we will conduct a thorough evaluation, review your medical history, and discuss your symptoms. This may include a physical examination and, if necessary, additional diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies.
It’s helpful to bring a list of your current medications, a record of your symptoms, and any relevant medical history. If you have previous medical reports or imaging related to your condition, please bring those as well.
Yes, we accept various insurance plans. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details regarding consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatment options for CTS.
Recovery can vary by individual and the severity of the condition. Typically, patients may notice improvements within a few weeks, but full recovery might take several months. We provide a detailed post-operative care plan to support your recovery process.
Yes, we offer physiotherapy services as part of our comprehensive care for CTS. Our physiotherapists will work with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation program aimed at improving wrist strength and flexibility.
While many patients may receive same-day treatment options, such as splinting or corticosteroid injections, surgical procedures typically require a separate appointment. Our team will discuss your treatment options during your consultation.
Wait times for surgery can vary based on the severity of your condition, scheduling availability, and other factors. Our staff will provide you with information regarding the anticipated timeline during your consultation.
We offer several diagnostic tests for CTS, including nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), and ultrasound imaging. These tests help us assess nerve function and identify any compression in the carpal tunnel.
Yes, prior to surgery, it is generally advised to avoid blood-thinning medications, smoking, and alcohol consumption, as these can affect healing. Our surgical team will provide specific instructions tailored to your needs before your procedure.
Patient safety is our top priority. We follow strict protocols for surgical procedures, including pre-operative assessments, sterilization techniques, and monitoring during and after surgery to minimize risks and ensure a safe environment.
Most carpal tunnel surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. However, if there are any complications or special considerations, an overnight stay may be recommended.
