California Hand Center

Computers, Driving and Repetitive Movements | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2009-12-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

Carpal tunnel is a syndrome that affects the hand and wrist, developed over time from performing repetitive movements. The symptoms can begin when the nerves of the wrist are squeezed inside the carpal tunnel and pain or numbness begins. The repetitive pinch of the carpal tunnel enlarges the tissues inside and can produce the carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles surgeons state, that can lead to chronic pain and numbness.

Carpal syndrome, as it is sometimes called, can be treated with hand surgery Los Angeles doctors suggest, as the condition has received lots of attention. Recent studies suggest that carpal tunnel syndrome may be linked to occupations such as computer use, typing on a keyboard, assembly work and fleet driving.

Surgery may be used for carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles residents have been benefiting from the new technologies and techniques. Several types of surgical procedures have been designed to relieve pressure on the nerves inside the wrist, one of the most common procedures to reduce pressure is hand surgery. After the surgery and healing the objective is to increase the blood supply to the nerve, reduce the pressure around it in order to give relief of the symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have had symptoms for a prolong amount of time as the nerve may have already developed scarring, however this would not discontinue your chances of being a candidate.

After your carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles pharmacies have common wrist braces you can use for support while you’re healing. It may take you 4 to 6 weeks to heal properly and a few more to heal completely. You may be instructed to wear a wrist splint to control symptoms and to keep your wrist from curving as you sleep. Try to do your activities using healthy body and wrist alignment. Limit activities that require repeated motions, heavy grasping, and vibrations in the hand.

Restore Movement In Your Elbows And Hands

2009-11-20T22:33:00.000-08:00

For patients seeking carpal tunnel hand surgery Los Angeles hand surgeons explain that the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is usually unknown in most cases. Pressure on the nerve can happen several ways: swelling of the lining of the flexor tendons, called tenosynovitis; joint dislocations, fractures, and arthritis can narrow the tunnel; and keeping the wrist bent for long periods of time. Consequently, treating carpal tunnel ranges from the most conservative therapy treatments to surgery.

For expecting mothers, fluid retention during pregnancy can cause swelling in the tunnel and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, which often go away after delivery. Thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes also can be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. According to a top local hand surgeon Los Angeles patients may demonstrate a combination of causes.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually include pain, numbness, tingling, or a combination of the three. The numbness or tingling most often takes place in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. The symptoms usually are felt during the night but also may be noticed during daily activities such as driving or reading a newspaper. Patients may sometimes notice a weaker grip, occasional clumsiness, and a tendency to drop things. In severe cases, sensation may be permanently lost and the muscles at the base of the thumb slowly shrink (thenaratrophy), causing difficulty with pinch. Since the nature and severity of a person’s condition help determine the most appropriate carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles patients are encouraged to provide as much information about their symptoms as possible to their surgeon.

A detailed history including medical conditions, how the hands have been used, and whether there were any prior injuries is important. Whether it is for hand or elbow surgery Los Angeles surgeons may take an x-ray to check for the other causes of the complaints such as arthritis or a fracture. In some cases, laboratory tests may be done if there is a suspected medical condition that is associated with CTS. A nerve conduction study (NCV) and/or electromyogram (EMG) may be done to confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome as well as to check for other possible nerve problems. For more information about hand or elbow surgery, contact your local hand surgery experts to learn more.

Hand Surgery For Better Quality Of Life

2009-10-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

When your hand is injured or impaired in any way, hand surgery may considerably improve your condition. This type of very specialized surgery can treat diseases such as Basilar joint arthritis that can cause pain and impair the strength, function and flexibility of your wrist and fingers. Surgery seeks to restore to near normal the function of fingers and hands injured by trauma or to correct abnormalities that were present at birth.

For patients needing carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles hand surgeons can address this common condition caused by pressure to the median nerve within the wrist, or carpal tunnel.

When you have this condition, you might feel pain, a tingling sensation, numbness of the fingers, weakness or aching. Carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles surgeons explain, is associated with multiple conditions including: repetitive motion or overuse, fluid retention during pregnancy, and injury to the nerve in the carpal tunnel or rheumatoid arthritis. Also, rheumatoid arthritis – a disabling disease that can cause severe inflammation in any joint of the body in the hand can deform fingers and impair movement. Another condition, Dupuytren’s contracture, is a disabling hand disorder in which thick, scar-like tissue bands form within the palm and may extend into the fingers. It can cause restricted movement, bending the fingers into an abnormal position.

Hand surgery Los Angeles surgeons agree, is a highly individualized procedure which can be performed on people of any age and is a good option for you if you do not have additional medical conditions or other illnesses that may impair healing, are a non-smoker, have a positive outlook and realistic goals for your hand surgery, and are committed to following your plastic surgeon’s prescribed course of treatment. The success and safety of your hand procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Factors That Affect Willingness to Undergo Carpal Tunnel Release

2009-09-16T01:01:00.000-07:00

Factors regarding patient willingness to undergo or avoid joint replacement have been studied; however regarding these concerns surrounding hand surgery Los Angeles experts say these factors have not been studied in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. To further understand the aspects that are important for a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome in deciding whether to have surgery, researchers at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital have identified factors that affect this decision in women and that are not related to Workers' Compensation status.

When Treating Carpal Tunnel Treatment Los Angeles Hand Surgeons Observe Study’s Findings

The researchers retrospectively reviewed 282 female patients with electrophysiologically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome without a known cause who were recommended for carpal tunnel release by a single hand surgeon in a tertiary medical setting. Of those, thirty-six female patients who were not entitled to Workers' Compensation canceled carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles hand surgeons noted, during the waiting period, which averaged four weeks. Thirty-three of them were surveyed with a questionnaire sent by mail, and eighteen completed surveys were reviewed at a mean follow-up of thirty-two months. Furthermore, seventy female patients who underwent carpal tunnel release were randomly sampled, and thirty-eight patients completed the survey. The operation and cancellation groups were compared with regard to the reasons for choosing or canceling surgery.

The groups were similar with regard to age, sociodemographic variables, follow-up length, initial electrophysiological findings, and functional status. The highest-ranked reason for choosing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles experts explain, was symptom severity rather than fear of progression or a positive electrodiagnostic result. Those who canceled the operation rated symptom improvement during the waiting period as the leading reason for doing so, but they were also concerned about transient weakness, the financial burden, and a scar or pillar pain. Disease persistence or recurrence was the issue of most concern in both groups. At the time of the final review, the functional status was significantly improved in both groups and no significant difference between the groups was found.

Women with carpal tunnel syndrome report that subjective symptom severity is the most important reason for undergoing surgery. Understanding this and other patient concerns may help physicians during patient-oriented consultation and decision-making. In particular, recommendations for carpal tunnel release on the basis of symptoms are reasonable from the perspective of the patient who has carpal tunnel syndrome without a known cause.

More Young People Report Having RSI

2009-08-13T23:51:00.000-07:00

A recent AZ Central article asks the question: what are repetitive-stress injuries, and is it true that people can suffer these injuries from sending text messages or using iPod portable music player? Addressing these conditions that sometimes necessitates hand surgery Los Angeles hand treatment specialists explain that repetitive stress injuries, also known as repetitive strain injuries, can result from repeated movements of a body part such as the hand or wrist, especially if those movements are awkward or forceful. Such movements can irritate or inflame tendons, muscles, joints and nerves. Without appropriate rest, this can lead to temporary or even permanent tissue damage. RSI symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, numbness, and hypersensitivity. RSI is not a true medical diagnosis; instead refers to a spectrum of conditions which may include various forms of tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and even arthritis in some cases.

Among Sufferers Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Los Angeles Patients Include People Of All Ages

Adults who do most of their work on computers most commonly experience repetitive-stress injuries. With the dramatic increase in the use of handheld devices such as cellular telephones, pocket PCs, iPods and video games, they are now being seen with greater frequency in young people. RSIs can also occur in athletes of any age.

As with all medical conditions, prevention of RSIs is preferable to carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles experts say. People can prevent RSIs by avoiding repetitious, awkward or forceful movements, or at least by taking frequent short breaks from such activities. Stretching prior to work or athletic participation can be very helpful. Good body and upper-extremity posture while keyboarding is also critical. Maintenance of good cardiovascular health and optimal control of other health issues such as diabetes and obesity can also limit the incidence of repetitive-stress injuries.

RSIs can be treated with splinting, anti-inflammatories and physical therapy If prevention fails. Some experts also recommend massage or exercises such as yoga, tai chi and Pilates. An ergonomic evaluation of the workplace can provide helpful information. If RSI symptoms persist despite these suggestions, and for more information about hand and elbow surgery Los Angeles patients are recommended to seek the advice of a physician.

Robotic Game Controller Adjusts Itself, Blows Away Carpal-Tunnel Syndrome

2009-07-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

If you're a gamer, you've probably set the control down after a mammoth, hours-long session and felt a tingling sensation in your hands or thumbs. Bad news: That's the first symptom of Repetitive Stress Injury, better known as carpal tunnel syndrome, which can eventually lead to debilitating pain. To combat carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles gamers now have the Promotion, an ergonomic controller designed by Smartfish which--get this--is also a robot, guiding you towards better hand positioning.

The grips of the control move on two axes: First, in an arc revolving around it's center, and also up and down. That's where the robotics kick in. The controller senses exactly how long you've been playing in a given position, and then periodically changes the controller's shape, to prevent repetitive stress. In all, it cycles through seven stages. When a person’s hand remains in a fixed position for long periods of time, this irritates the nerves in the hand, a condition which can be very painful and possibly require hand surgery Los Angeles hand surgeons tell us.

Smartfish created the device--in addition to a wireless mouse and a robotic, wireless keyboard--in consultation with the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, one of the world's leading orthopedic surgery facilities for treating carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles experts say. The mouse and the keyboard will ship in August, for $60 and $150. The controller will be available some time after that. The only catch: It's only available for PC's and Macs. For more information on treatments for hand injuries and carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles residents are encouraged to contact their local hand treatment specialists.

Move Over 'BlackBerry Thumb,' Here Comes 'Cellphone Elbow'

2009-06-15T22:10:00.001-07:00

You've probably heard of the ailment commonly referred to as "BlackBerry Thumb." The condition, not unlike carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles hand specialists tell us, causes stiffness, tingling, discomfort--even pain--in the thumbs and hands. And it's a result of over-employing your thumbs and the joints that connect them to your hands, often while typing on some sort of mobile device. A BlackBerry, for instance--hence the clever name.

IT World says that the problem seems to growing along with the vast number of folks switching from feature-phones to smartphones spreading. Regarding hand surgery Los Angeles hand doctors note a new paper published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine details cubital tunnel syndrome, or "Cellphone Elbow," which it says it the second most common form or nerve compression syndrome behind carpal tunnel.

Cellphone Elbow comes about when abnormal pressure is applied to nerves in the forearms for extended periods of time, impeding the flow of blood and leading to discomfort and pain throughout the elbow and forearm region which sometimes requires carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles experts say. And it can supposedly result in permanent damage.

A recent Scientific American piece on the subject of Cellphone Elbow, however, suggests the whole thing may be blown way out of proportion. Michael Hausman, chief of hand and elbow surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, says in the story that the condition isn't really caused by anything in particular and that the vast majority of cellphone users never experience any such symptoms.

For additional information on BlackBerry Thumb, Cellphone Elbow, or carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles residents are recommended to contact their hand surgery specialist who can help guide them through all their hand treatment options.

Move Over 'BlackBerry Thumb,' Here Comes 'Cellphone Elbow'

2009-06-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

President Obama Seeking Ways To Curb Repetitive Motion Injuries

2009-05-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

There once were job safety rules that helped keep down the number of ergonomic injuries until the Bush and a Republican dominant Congress did away with most of them.

Ergonomic injuries, also called musculo-skeletal and repetitive-motion injuries which include carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles sources say, are by far the most common injuries workers get when they go to work. Hundreds of thousands of these injuries happen annually, costing millions of lost workdays according to Peoples’ Weekly World News.

Exact figures are no longer available because the Bush administration, after taking out the ergonomics rules, repealed separate rules requiring companies to report the number of such ailments that sometimes call for hand surgery Los Angeles hand experts tell us.

Examples of ergonomic injuries include the back injuries health care workers suffer after they lift and turn patients, without benefit of mechanical assistance, and carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition of nerve degeneration requiring arm, hand, or elbow surgery Los Angeles County medical assistants point out. Carpal tunnel affects categories of workers ranging from typists to meat cutters.

Recently, President Obama recruited Jordan Barab, a long-time occupational safety and health specialist and activist, for the position of acting director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Barab spoke about ergonomics at a May 5 legislative conference of union nurses in Washington D.C. He assured them that the Obama administration is committed to bringing back regulation in this area.

During the last year of the Clinton administration, after 10 years of lobbying by the labor movement and hard work by people inside and outside the Clinton White House, the Department of Labor issued a rule designed to reduce ergonomic injuries. The very first bill that former President Bush signed into law, after he was installed in the White House by the Supreme Court, was a law that repealed all the ergonomic injury rules.

“We either have to get the repeal repealed, or go sector by sector to create new ergonomic rules,” Barab, who worked in Clinton’s Department of Labor, told the nurses. A third alternative, he added, “is to sit down with everyone,” including unions and business “to see what will work in the workplace and politically, to get around the repeal law.” For additional information about ergonomic injury guidelines and hand/wrist surgery Los Angeles patients are strongly encouraged to contact their local hand and upper extremity specialists.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information

Getting Quality Treatment For Hand Injuries Resulting From Repetitive Motions

2009-04-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

It’s no surprise that doing the same thing over and over again can produce injury. As activities in work, home, or recreation are repeated over and over again, chronic overuse injuries may result. Common examples of repetitive use injuries in the hand and upper extremity include: tendonitis, nerve compression conditions such as carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndromes, arthritis, and sclerosing tenosynovitis (otherwise known as trigger finger). For these chronic overuse conditions that require treatment and in some cases hand surgery Los Angeles based California Hand Center has the experience to treat patients suffering from these ailments, whether they arise out of work or leisure.

For those of us working with computers or machinery that involves repetitive actions, and in the home performing similar actions that are done again and again, we’ve all experienced some sort of discomfort or pain in our necks, shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands. Sometimes these symptoms become serious and when searching for a quality hand surgeon Los Angeles and surrounding area residents should look for experience, accreditations, methods, and professionalism.

California Hand Center possesses a tremendous amount of experience treating carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles being among one of the top ten US cities with high incidents of people who report developing hand conditions at the workplace and home. Along with being highly experienced in treating both acute, traumatic injuries, as well as those arising from repetitive work activities such as carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles based California Hand Center physicians know how to navigate effectively through California’s complicated workman’s compensation system. They pride themselves in advocating for the health and well-being of an injured worker, while returning them to a productive role at home and work as soon as reasonably possible.

With good access to local hospitals and surgery centers, treatment of emergency conditions is routinely performed. The physicians have experience working with several large-scale industrial care providers, including Concentra and US HealthWorks, as well as with independent industrial clinics. The doctors at California Hand Center are recognized by most major industrial MPNs. Equally important, the supporting staff at California Hand Center is well-versed in handling workman’s compensation claims, including dealing with employers, insurance companies, therapists, attorneys, and durable medical goods providers. California Hand Center practices a team approach to treating the injured industrial patient.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

THUMB PAIN RELIEF

2009-03-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

Do your thumbs ache? Do you have pain along the thumb side of your wrist? If so, you might have basilar joint arthritis. The thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is the most common joint in the hand in which to have painful arthritis. For reasons of mechanical advantage, the pressures exerted at the thumb tip while doing pinching- and grasping-type maneuvers is magnified by a factor of 10. That leads to accelerated wear and tear at the joint at the base of the thumb, by the wrist.

Typically, this is seen in more women than men, and usually in the age range of the 50’s to 60’s. However, it can be experienced in both genders and at earlier ages, as well. Basilar joint arthritis symptoms include an aching or burning pain that may or may not be related to activity level and/or the weather. It’ll hurt during the day, and keep you up at night.

Basilar joint arthritis treatment involves first making the proper diagnosis. That can be done by seeing a hand specialist and having x-rays of the thumb and wrist done. The x-rays don’t always match what you’re feeling, though. Some people have very mild arthritic change on the x-rays, but fairly significant pain. Other people have absolutely awful-looking x-rays, but not much pain at all. Treatment should center around your pain, and not so much what the x-rays look like. Splinting, oral anti-inflammatories, and steroid injections are all employed initially. But if even those methods aren’t sufficient, then there are a variety of surgical procedures that can be done. Exactly which one will work best for you will depend on a variety of factors. At that point, it’s a good idea to consult with a local Los Angeles hand surgeon to evaluate your options.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information

NOT CRUISIN’ FOR A HAND BRUISIN’

2009-03-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles motorists are just as susceptible to this hand condition as people in the office. In particular, numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers is a common complaint of motorcyclists. These symptoms may be due to carpal tunnel syndrome. After riding for awhile, there are a variety of factors that may cause a rider to develop carpal tunnel syndrome: the vibration of the motor as felt through the handlebars; the constant grip needed to maintain a throttle setting on a long ride; the pressure from repeated use of the brake or clutch lever; awkward weight distribution on the wrists from maintaining a certain riding posture. These all conspire to predispose a motorcyclist to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. The rider might feel these carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms as numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers after or during a ride. The hand might feel like it has fallen asleep.

That’s a sign to get this checked out by a hand specialist. Ask any Los Angeles hand surgeon and he or she will agree: carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve problem. It occurs when the median nerve, which travels through the wrist on its way to providing for sensation in the hand and fingers, becomes irritated. The median nerve may be irritated from the constant vibration of the engine. It may have its blood supply crimped off by an awkward position of the wrist, which may be dictated by a sportbike riding position (or, on the other side, by apehangers keeping the ‘pits cool) or by a constant application of throttle with the right hand. Or, the nerve may be compressed at the wrist by a ligament. As the median nerve passes through the wrist, it runs in a tunnel. The tunnel is comprised of bone on three sides, and a very tough ligament on the other. Through the tunnel run the median nerve and the nine tendons that allow you to make a fist with your fingers. If there’s swelling in that tunnel (which is usually from the tendons, as they may swell with overuse), then the nerve gets pinched off and lets you know it’s irritated by numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand, palm, or wrist.

Treatment involves first making the right diagnosis. That can be done by physical examination and ordering a nerve test. If those confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are a variety of treatments that will allow you to keep riding your bike. Initial treatment for a motorcyclist should involve things that aren’t typically done for non-motorcyclists. The rider should be reminded to try wearing gloves (or even gel padded gloves) to minimize the vibration transmitted through the handlebars or clip-ons to the hand and wrist. A larger handlebar grip size can be used, which sometimes helps. Try to avoid putting too much pressure on the wrists, such as when riding a sportbike. Remember to use airflow and abdominal and back muscles to keep your body upright, and to take some pressure off of the wrist area. While riding, take some time to let go of the handlebars, to open and close the hand or do some stretching exercises; that will help promote bloodflow to the hand and wrist. Change your hand position from time to time. Use a throttle rocker or similar device on long highway rides. Make sure the clutch and brake levers are properly adjusted for your hand size. You can even try bar risers to raise the height of the clip-ons or rotate them to a more comfortable and ergonomic position. Note that none of these methods involve the concept of “stop riding.”

If those things don’t seem to help, then more conventional carpal tunnel syndrome treatments include wrist splints (mainly at nighttime, for sleeping), oral anti-inflammatories, therapy, and cortisone injections. If you still have symptoms despite all those things, then consideration should be given to a surgical release of the offending ligament which is pressing on the median nerve. Typically it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to recover, after which time you should be good to go for a return to riding.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF CARPAL TUNNEL

2009-03-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a variety of things in our modern, automated world. Pretty much any repetitive activity of the hands, wrists and fingers can lead to it. Office-type work can cause it with typing on the computer (particularly when coupled with a work-station that’s not entirely ergonomically-correct), using a Blackberry, or texting on a cell phone. Manual labor can lead to it, too. Pretty much any repetitive activity with the upper extremities can cause carpal tunnel. Numbness or tingling in your hands are common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Sometimes you’ll notice it with particular activities, such as talking on a telephone or driving a car or reading a magazine. Other times people complain about it waking them up at night. Some people have a vague type of pain in the palm and wrist.

If you think you have it, you should probably see a hand specialist. In addition to examining you, they can order a nerve test to help with the diagnosis. Carpal tunnel syndrome treatments initially revolve around things like wrist splints, oral anti-inflammatories, ergonomic changes, therapy, and sometimes a cortisone injection. But the ultimate cure is usually consulting a board certified Los Angeles hand surgeon about getting surgery, where the nerve is decompressed at the wrist. Most people usually do pretty well after the surgery, though that somewhat depends on how severe the carpal tunnel was prior to surgery. You don’t want to wait too long, as permanent nerve injury can set in, where even surgery doesn’t restore you back to perfectly normal. If you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles County is a good area to start looking for help.

Tips for Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2009-02-23T20:45:00.000-08:00

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition, which often arises from repetitive use and overuse of the hands. It occurs in both men and women, across many age ranges. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem of nerve irritation in the wrist, or carpus.

Do your hands fall asleep? Do they get numb of tingly, or have the sensation of pins and needles? Is there cramping or aching in the wrists or palms that wakes you up at night? Do your hands feel clumsy or do you feel that you are losing your grip strength? These are some common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms which you should bring up to your doctor.

Even if you do not experience any of these symptoms, you could be at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) if you spend a lot of time doing activities that involve forceful or repetitive finger or wrist movement or use of vibrating equipment. Some activities such as excessive driving, typing, knitting, playing small instruments or working with small tools can increase your chances of developing CTS. By taking some extra precautions, you can lower your risk of developing or needing carpal tunnel syndrome treatment.

Whether or not you are at risk for CTS, certain health conditions which can be avoided are related to carpal tunnel syndrome. Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can help with conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, which can increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you find yourself in a working environment which requires repetitive movements such as typing, you can take certain steps which make your workspace more comfortable. Taking breaks to stretch, arranging your computer, keyboard and mouse more comfortably, and using wrist guards or keyboard pads for support can all help in this type of environment.

Los Angeles hand surgeon Dr. Sean Younai and staff at the California Hand Center have performed more than 1,500 minimally-invasive carpal tunnel surgeries over the last decade. This unique carpal tunnel release technique does not require general anesthesia, and enables patients to use their hand immediately. Most people are able to return to routine activities within 1-2 weeks. The California Hand Center is proudly one of very few centers nationally with such an experience and expertise in minimally-invasive carpal tunnel surgery.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information

What Happens During Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

2008-12-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

During open carpal tunnel release surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut, which releases pressure on the median nerve and relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

An incision is made at the base of the palm of the hand. This allows the doctor to see the transverse carpal ligament. After the ligament is cut, the skin is closed with stitches. The gap where the ligament was cut is left alone and eventually fills up with scar tissue.

If you have open carpal tunnel release surgery, you usually do not need to stay in the hospital. It is usually done under local anesthetic and you can go home on the same day.

Hand surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles is usually considered when symptoms do not disappear after anywhere from 3 to 12 months after nonsurgical treatment. Also, if severe symptoms are present, such as persistent loss of feeling or finger/hand coordination is restricting your normal daily activities, or if nerve damage is present, open carpal tunnel surgery can be considered, and is more urgent.

Most surgeons will perform the surgery under local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, therefore the risk of complication is very low (about 5%). Most people who have the surgery have fewer or no symptoms of Los Angeles hand pain and numbness. In fact, the overall success rate is about 95%. Rare occasions do occur in which the symptoms return, or there is tenderness around the scar. Hand strength is usually fully returned, unless there was severe damage to the ligaments. This is why it is important to see a Los Angeles hand surgeon sooner rather than later, in order to prevent any irreversible damage.

After the Los Angeles hand surgery, the hand is wrapped, and the stitches are removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. You may be directed to wear a splint for several weeks. The pain and numbness may go away right after surgery or may take several months to subside. Try to avoid heavy use of your hand for up to 3 months. Returning to work depends on whether you need physical therapy, and on the type of work activities you perform day to day.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information

Determining the Cause of Your Hand and Wrist Pain

2009-01-28T03:32:00.000-08:00

The 2 most common classes of hand and wrist pain are either sudden or chronic pain. Sudden pain occurs immediately, as in a traumatic event in which a bone is broken. Chronic pain occurs over a period of time, as is associated with Arthritis or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS is the most common cause of chronic pain in the hands and wrists.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Los Angeles patients often don’t know that the pain they are experiencing is in fact CTS. Often the symptoms aren’t just pain, but tingling, or loss of feeling or grip in the hands and wrists. This occurs when there is too much pressure put on the median nerve, which is a thick ligamentous band that stretches over the tendons which move the fingers. The carpal tunnel is a closed space or "tunnel" located in the middle of the mid palm side of the wrist. When too much pressure builds up within the small space affecting the median nerve - pressure on the median nerve at the wrist manifests as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Further repetitive movement, exercising and certain activities are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, but no specific time frame or repetitive movement has been documented to cause the problem.

Not everyone has all the classic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms Los Angeles, but will have some variation or combination of them. For example, some people may only experience numbness in one or two finger, and some people may feel painful or electric shock-like sensations radiating into the hand or back up the forearm. Those with arthritis, hypothyroidism and pregnancy have a greater incidence of CTS which can be confirmed by a Los Angeles hand surgeon or regular physician either through an electric diagnostic study or (EMG) or an MRI.

Los Angeles Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment is available in many different forms. Some treatments include splinting, oral anti-inflammatory medications, ergonomic work and activity changes, and therapy. If these modalities don’t work, surgical decompression is available. This procedure can be done under regional anesthesia (just the arm is “asleep” for the surgery), in a day surgery setting. This unique minimally invasive technique does not require general anesthesia, and enables patients to use their hand immediately. Most people are able to return to routine activities within 1-2 weeks.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information