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.
“Carpal tunnel syndrome can make everyday tasks such as holding objects, typing, or opening doors challenging due to pain and numbness. 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 are trained in procedures that involve the intricate structures of the hand, including nerves, arteries, and soft tissues.
“Plastic surgeons with expertise in hand surgery are trained to manage both functional concerns and, where applicable, aesthetic considerations.”
Dr Andrew Hadj
Plastic surgeon Brisbane (Hand surgeon)
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.
“Carpal tunnel release surgery is typically completed within a short time frame, though total procedure duration may vary. 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
Is the surgery painful?
Carpal tunnel surgery involves releasing the ligament in the wrist that is restraining the median nerve and compressing it leading to tingling, pain and weakness. The surgery is not a painful procedure and is almost always done as a day procedure under twilight sedation.
Is the recovery quick?
Most patients find they are back to full capacity after 4-6 weeks with regular activities like swimming, exercising and lifting all possible by that stage. The symptoms of carpal tunnel surgery usually subside within 72 hours of surgery however some patients will need a full 6 weeks to experience resolution of symptoms (I.e the condition has been longstanding).
For the best results in carpal tunnel surgery, patient will need to see a specialist hand therapist and have active scar management to ensure a soft, supple faint scar by the end of their treatment period.
Can it come back?
There is a recurrence rate of carpal tunnel however this is not common. If the ligament restores itself via scar tissue the symptoms can return years later. With Dr Hadj’s specific techniques this is very unlikely. Other conditions can also mimic carpal tunnel syndrome so it’s important to discuss any tingling, pins and needles or return of symptoms with your GP or Dr Hadj so he can advise accordingly.
Hand surgeon Brisbane
Why QLD Hand Surgery?
Queensland Hand Surgery is a specialised clinic focused entirely on hand surgeries.
“Our team includes experienced hand therapists who provide post-operative care and rehabilitation support.”
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.