Carpal tunnel surgeon Brisbane
- Author: Dr Andrew Hadj
- First published:
Carpal tunnel syndrome Brisbane
Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome
If your hand feels funny or hurts, it’s a good idea to see your GP who may refer you to a hand surgeon if they suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.
The impact of carpal tunnel syndrome on daily life
Carpal tunnel syndrome can really disrupt your everyday life, turning easy tasks into painful challenges.
“Imagine finding it tough to grip your morning coffee, send a text message, or open a door without feeling pain. Carpal tunnel can also interrupt your sleep with annoying tingling or pain in your hand, which can make you feel tired and grumpy the next day. You might need to take lots of breaks at work or even change how you do your job.”
Dr Andrew Hadj
Hand surgeon Brisbane
In summary, carpal tunnel syndrome can limit what your hand can do, affecting your enjoyment of life and your ability to look after yourself.
Hand Specialist Brisbane
When to seek a hand specialist's help?
Think about seeing a specialist for carpal tunnel syndrome if you keep having symptoms that make your everyday life or sleep difficult. Here are the main signs that show you should get expert help:
- Ongoing numbness or tingling: Seek help if numbness or a “pins and needles” feeling in your fingers or hand persists, especially if these sensations are present in your palm too.
- Pain: Consult a hand specialist if you experience continuous pain in your hand, wrist, or forearm that doesn’t improve with basic treatments like rest or over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Weakness: If you find it hard to hold onto objects, notice increased clumsiness, or often drop things, it could indicate muscle impact from carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Symptoms impact daily life: When carpal tunnel symptoms interfere with everyday tasks, such as typing, driving, or sleeping, it’s time to see a specialist.
- No improvement with initial treatments: If your symptoms don’t get better after trying general remedies like wrist splints or anti-inflammatory drugs, a hand specialist evaluation is recommended.
Choosing the right specialist in Brisbane
When you need to find a specialist in Brisbane for carpal tunnel syndrome, plastic surgeons have a special edge when it comes to hand surgery.
Plastic surgeons pay extra attention to the hand’s tiny details, like nerves, arteries and the skin.
“As plastic surgeons, we have in-depth knowledge of the hand’s complex structure. We are trained to address functional issues as well as aesthetic aspects.”
Dr Andrew Hadj
Plastic surgeon Brisbane (Hand surgeon)
This means if you choose a plastic surgeon, they’ll take care of both how your hand works and how it looks, aiming for the best result possible.
What to expect during your consultation
When you go for a consultation about carpal tunnel syndrome, here’s what you can expect:
- Sharing your symptoms and medical history: We’ll ask you to describe any pain, numbness, or other sensations in your hand and fingers, detailing when and how often they occur. We’ll discuss your overall health and any previous medical conditions, focusing on your hand health and any related activities that might have led to your symptoms.
- Physical examination and tests: We’ll carefully examine your hand and wrist, checking for any signs of swelling, testing your hand’s strength and sensation, and observing its movements. We will perform some simple tests during the consultation, like asking you to move your wrist in specific ways. We may also discuss arranging more detailed tests, such as nerve conduction studies, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your condition.
- Talking about treatment options: After assessing your situation, we’ll outline possible treatment strategies, explaining each option and its benefits to help you make an informed decision.
- Questions and concerns: You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns. It’s important that you feel informed and comfortable with your treatment plan.
Carpal tunnel surgeon Brisbane
Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome
First-line treatment
First-line treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome aim to alleviate symptoms without resorting to surgery. These include lifestyle changes, such as taking regular breaks to rest your hands and avoiding activities that exacerbate your symptoms.
Applying cold packs can help reduce swelling. Wrist splinting, especially at night, can relieve the pressure on your nerves and mitigate symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs can reduce pain, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to decrease inflammation.
Physical or occupational therapy are also very beneficial, providing exercises to stretch and strengthen the area and advice on ergonomic improvements to reduce strain on your wrist.
Surgery: Carpal tunnel release
If your carpal tunnel symptoms are really bad or don’t get better with the initial treatments, you might need surgery. The usual surgery for this problem is known as carpal tunnel release.
This operation involves cutting the ligament that is pressing on the median nerve to relieve the pressure. It can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. You don’t have to stay in the hospital for this; carpal tunnel release is typically performed as a day surgery basis.
“The surgery doesn’t take very long, about 20 to 30 minutes. The total time you’ll spend at the hospital can be longer when you include preparation and recovery time on the day of the surgery.”
Dr Andrew Hadj
Carpal tunnel surgeon Brisbane
The goal is to alleviate discomfort and restore hand function, ensuring a return to normal activities with minimal downtime.
For more information, please vist Dr Andrew Hadj’s web page on Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Life after treatment: Regaining quality of life
After carpal tunnel surgery, you won’t feel much pain, but it’s normal to have some swelling and a bit of discomfort in the first few days. Don’t worry, though; this is all part of the healing process.
A few days after your surgery, you’ll see our hand therapist, who will gently remove your dressing. To help your hand heal well and reduce swelling, you’ll need to wear a supportive compression garment for about 4 weeks.
As you recover, you’ll gradually be able to do more of your usual activities without the pain and numbness you had before, improving your quality of life.
Hand surgeon Brisbane
Why QLD Hand Surgery?
Queensland Hand Surgery is a specialised clinic focused entirely on hand surgeries.
“Our team includes five skilled hand therapists who are committed to helping you recover fully after your surgery.”
Dr Andrew Hadj
QLD Hand Surgeon
You can find us in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast (Burleigh Waters). Book your appointment with us today.