Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most commonly reported upper extremity problems in the United States, and one of the most common ailments we treat here at our Parham Rd office in Richmond. Typical symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include nighttime numbness and pain, numbness while driving or talking on the phone. The problem arises when swelling pinches the median nerve, which provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb, index finger, middle finger and to the inside half of the ring finger. The median nerve also provides strength to the thumb muscles.
The resulting symptoms are often described as numbness, weakness and pain in the fingers, thumb, palm or the forearm. If the condition is not treated, permanent deterioration of the muscle and nerve can occur.
Most experts believe that typing does not cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Some known conditions associated with CTS include a low thyroid hormone level, diabetes, obesity, and lack of aerobic fitness. Smoking is also an increased risk factor in this condition.
Carpal Tunnel Treatment
We base our diagnosis on an evaluation of your medical history, physical exam and nerve conduction testing. Initial treatment can involve rest, splinting and steroid injection. Sometimes an x-ray of the hand and wrist may be taken. Hand therapy has not been shown to have much benefit in improving the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. When patients are unable to get relief from the CTS symptoms by non-surgical means, surgical treatment sometimes becomes necessary.
Endoscopic Hand Surgeon
Fortunately, most patients can undergo endoscopic surgery through a very limited incision and relatively rapid recovery. Most of the time we use skin glue to close the incision so no stitches need to be removed. The endoscope divides the tight ligament that restricts the nerve. Once the ligament is divided the nerve has more room and is no longer under pressure. The surgery is typically done under regional or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
There is no cast after surgery, just a soft bandage that is removed after 48 hours. Light activities such as eating, dressing and using the bathroom commence immediately after surgery. Keyboarding and heavier gripping and lifting are allowed after a few weeks. It is very rare to need hand therapy after this type of surgery. Patients are given a sheet of exercises that they start after 2 weeks. If you are in need of hand treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and are in Richmond, VA or the surrounding areas, please contact Dr. Desai to set up an appointment.
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Testimonials
I was impressed by Dr. Desai’s skills and how he treated me. My Dupuytren’s contracture had progressed. He saw me quickly, gave me several options and I chose needle aponeurotomy. About 45 minutes later I was on my way home with full range of motion in my hand. I would see
him again.
C.H.
I had lost the use of my thumb and could not write my name, get dressed, open things or do other tasks. After my surgery I had it all back, regaining full mobility of my thumb. I got excellent care. Dr. Desai and his staff are patient and considerate. He’s the best hand surgeon in this area.
S.A.
Before seeing Dr. Desai, I had terrible arthritic pain in my thumbs. I’m a nurse and I couldn’t even write or administer IVs. Pain kept me awake at night. After my arthoplasty, my pain is gone and I have full use of my thumbs. Great results, and I’m absolutely happy.
S.S.
Had basal bone arthroplasty, (trapezium removed). Recovery was exactly as predicted, almost full use of hand in less than 3 months. Dr. Desai answered my questions completely. He was very attentive to my concerns, fully explained options & what to expect.
D.W.
My husband has had 2 carpal tunnel releases, and I recently had thumb arthroplasty and ligament reconstruction, all performed by Dr Desai. Dr. Desai is a brilliant hand surgeon whom we continue to sing praises about. Dr. Desai is direct and soft spoken. I will recommend him to anyone who needs a hand surgeon.B.S.
I've worked in the medical field for the last 16 years, and when it comes to doctors, I've see the good, the bad and the ugly. I have never done a review for a doctor until now.I recently had a 4.3 x 2.3 cm lipoma removed from my right hand by Dr. Desai. Not only was the surgery a breeze, but the recovery time was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. I had virtually no pain after surgery. He did a great job suturing using a vessel loop technique that he learned from a plastic surgeon. Because of that, my incision is barely visible. On top of that, the staff and everyone involved were amazing! In my professional opinion, Dr. Desai is the best hand surgeon I know. He takes his job very seriously and yet maintains great bed-side manners that a lot of doctors lack. I would refer Dr. Desai to anyone I know. In fact, if anyone in my family needs to have hand surgery, they will be coming to VA to have it done. My family lives in MI and TN. I wouldn't let them go to anyone else. Thank you, Dr. Desai!You're the Best!
K.D.