Re: questions! what to do?

In Reply to: questions! what to do? posted by Ken k. on July 09, 2003 at 13:28:04:

Surgery is never the ONLY choice. Some people can modify their leisure activities, or their job, or their diet, or exercises, or whatever, and find some real, lasting relief. Other people deny their pain, numbness, reduced dexterity and such with drugs or suffering or both. Some opt for surgery.

As I understand the condition, it is tendons in the wrist that swell initially (except thyroid, pregnancy,etc) and this inflammation of the tendons and the resulting pressure in the tunnel is what you're trying to fix, before permanent thickening of the tendons occurs, or permanent nerve damage. The only choice you don't have is to ignore it. I know a few people personally who've had the surgery, all open release procedures. One fellow, "Banjo Bruce", offered enthusiastic 'thumbs up'... 15 yrs. post-op.!!

Cutting the ligament slackens the tunnel maybe 10-15%. Barring complications, often this is enough to get any 'current' pressure off the nerve. If you've got no permanent nerve damage, you're away. Tendons and things stop rubbing, swelling, thickening, and PRESTO! No numbness.

Even still, I don't figure that it is a cure. I don't know how long I'll be doing 'my stretches' and when I'm clear for full duty at the work, that will be the tale of the tape. Also, I'm taking a look at everything from my guitar to my lawn mower to see where I can try to get 'better mileage' out of my hand. But.... I've had no numbness, and very little discomfort aside from occasional stiffness.

Good Luck.

Adam