What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | London & Essex?

Professor Ben Miranda performs carpal tunnel surgery in London Harley Street & Essex (Chelmsford & Southend). Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when one of the main nerves (median nerve) is compressed as it runs through the wrist in a space comprising of a 'U' shaped collection of bones and a tight ligament at the top. Carpal tunnel syndome is the most common nerve compression condition of the hand which you may first notice by feeling a 'tingling' / 'pins and needles' sensation or numbness in the thumb and fingers, particularly at night time. If the condition is not treated, permanent sensation loss and thumb muscle wasting may occur. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by anything that increases pressure on the median nerve. In some cases the cause may be physiological, for example, during pregnancy; in these circumstances non-surgical treatments are best as the condition is expected to resolve following giving birth. However, trauma to the wrist, diabetes, arthritis and endocrine disorders are examples of conditions that may eventually result in a requirement for surgery if non-surgical treatments have not worked for you. 

Telephone: 020 3763 7999

Email: secretary@BenMiranda.com 

Do I need Nerve Conduction Studies?

Nerve conduction studies can be useful as a baseline test, in particular for patients who have atypical presentations, recurrent disease, or dual-compression of the median nerve at the wrist and at the neck where the nerve originates from. Patients do not always need nerve conduction studies and in some cases, clinical examination alone is sufficient for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What are the Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in London & Essex?

Non-Surgical Treatment:

Initial treatment involves the use of a night splint, analgesia (pain killers) and steroid injections around the nerve. If symptoms are precipitated by certain activity then activity modification is also helpful. In some cases these treatments may only provide temporary symptom relief. 

Carpal Tunnel Surgery in London & Essex:

Carpal tunnel surgery in London & Essex involves cutting the tight ligament at the top of the carpal tunnel, to release the pressure on the median nerve. Open carpal tunnel release is a short procedure that requires a small 3-5cm cut being made over the carpal tunnel at the wrist under local anaesthetic. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is an option that patients are told is associated with a shorter recovery time, perhaps by 5-7 days. However, endoscopic carpal tunnel release is associated with a higher complications rate (cutting the median nerve) and open surgery is already associated with a relatively fast recovery time so the difference in this may not be significant. Professor Miranda therefore prefers open carpal tunnel surgery in London & Essex so that he can directly visualise and carefully protect your median nerve during surgery.

• Anaesthetic: Local Anaesthetic.

• Surgery Time: 15 minutes.

• Hospital Stay: Day Case.

• Recovery Time: 1-2 weeks.

• Time off Work: 1-2 weeks (non-manual work e.g. supervisory, managerial) /  2-4 weeks (light manual work e.g. clerical, secretarial) / 4-6 weeks (medium manual work e.g. cleaner, check-out operative, nurse) / 6-10 weeks (heavy manual work e.g. labourer, HGV driver, prison officer, firefighter).