Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition of the hand which occurs when the median nerve is compressed. It is symptomised by pain and numbness in the hand and the treatments include non-surgical methods and surgical intervention.
Today, we at MyMedTrip.com shall brief you on this carpal tunnel syndrome such as what it is and what are its symptoms, tell you about the various carpal tunnel syndrome treatments, and carpal tunnel syndrome costs in India. We will also be relaying to you information on carpal tunnel syndrome success rates in India.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost of carpal tunnel syndrome in India | 3000 USD- 3500 USD |
| Discount | 10% on the above quoted price (final hospital’s bill) ONLY APPLICABLE ONLY FOR MyMedTrip.com patients Click here for exceptions and terms. |
| Number of days at hospital (Estimated) | 1 day |
| Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) | 10-14 days |
| Treatment’s Success Rate | 70 – 90 % |
| Tests required to help assess the treatment | MRI, CT scan, and x-ray |
What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?
This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the main nerve of the hands, the median nerve, is pressurized. It is symptomized by numbness, stiffness, and pain. Some of its other symptoms include a tingling sensation in or more than one of the fingers.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually treated first with non surgical methods such as physiotherapy and over-the-counter painkillers. Surgical intervention is required only as the last option. If carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated, the symptoms worsens with time and may cause nerve damage.
In order to understand carpal tunnel syndrome better, it is pertinent to have an understanding of the anatomical structure of the hand; including the location of the carpal tunnel, and its functions.
About carpal tunnel
The carpal tunnel is located on the underside of the wrist and connects the wrist to the forearm. This tunnel comprises two layers within which are enclosed nine tendons and the median nerve.
These tendons are subdivided into two groups of tour tendons known by flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis. The extra ninth tendon is called flexor pollicis longus. While the first two groups are encapsulated in synovial sheath layers, the extra tendon is covered by a separate synovial sheath.
The median nerve, after passing through the carpal tunnel, gets divided into two sections. They are known as recurrent branch and palmar digital nerves.
Functions of the carpal tunnel
The carpal tunnel functions to protect the tendons and the median nerve from any injury. It also protects the median nerves that connect the hand to the Central Nervous System relaying information such as sensation to the brain.
When this median nerve is compressed, one is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by various factors which are genetic and environmental. Some factors that would make one more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome are:-
- Repeated using of hands in a specific pattern.
- Pregnancy.
- Diabetes.
- Inflammatory arthritis.
- Obesity.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Menopause.
- Kidney failure.
- Hereditary conditions.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is most commonly symptomized by pain and weakness in the arm and wrists. Some of its other symptoms are:-
- Tingling sensation in fingers.
- Numbness in fingers.
- Tingling sensation in arms.
- Numbness in arms.
Together these result in weakness of the arms and affect the person’s ability to grasp onto things. Occasionally the person may also experience electric shock like sensations throughout the arms and the wrists. In the wrists, the index finger, the thumb, the middle finger, and the ring finger are affected.
Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome appear at first on an often recurring basis. When left undiagnosed, the symptoms would worsen and lead to nerve damage. It is therefore important to correctly diagnose the syndrome. In order for this, the doctor will conduct a physical examination. The doctor will also suggest the person to undergo:-
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- electromyogram
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated by nonsurgical methods at first. These range from anti-inflammatory medications to making lifestyle changes such as avoiding repeated use of hands in a specific pattern.
Sometimes the doctor also prescribes exercises such as stretching and wrist splints. Using wrist splints controls the symptoms in a manner that makes it possible to sleep at night.
When all of the aforementioned suggestions and changes fail, the doctor would recommend a ‘carpal tunnel release’ surgery. The aim of the surgery would be to reduce the symptoms by relieving the pressurized nerve.
Tests required for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
Upon consultation, the surgeon will first recommend tests to assess the degree of damage and the possibility of its repair. Some of the imaging tests required for proper assessment are:-
- MRI
- CT scan
- X-ray
Alongside these tests, the surgeon also suggests some other types of tests which determine the overall physical health of the person. Some of them are:-
- CBC
- WBC test
- Electrolyte test
- Urinalysis
- ECG
- PT/PTT
Preparing for carpal tunnel surgery
After being cleared by the surgeon, the surgeon will further give a set of instructions to be followed on the days that lead up to the surgery. Some of these suggestions will be to:-
- Quit smoking.
- Refrain from alcohol consumption.
- Avoid taking any blood thinning agents.
- Avoid medications such as painkillers.
- Refrain from any solid or linduidified food from the night before surgery.
Surgical procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome
The carpal tunnel release surgery conveines under a local anesthesia. Following this, depending on the type of surgery, the surgeon will make the incisions.
If it is an open surgery then the surgeon makes a long incision upto two inches long from the palm to the wrists.
If it is an endoscopic surgery, the surgeon will make smaller incisions. One incision is made in the wrists and another at the arm, and through one of these, an endoscope or a camera will be inserted to better guide the surgeon through the surgery.
After the incision, the surgeon progresses to release the carpal ligament. Following this, the surgeon closes the incision with stitches and bandages.
Recovery from carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
Following the surgery, the patient may wake with pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. The patient will also experience immediate relief of the symptoms. During recovery, the surgeon will give some instructions on how to properly use the operated hand.
It takes a total of two weeks to heal from the surgical incisions. Complete recovery may take anywhere between ten – twelve weeks.
Risks of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
The risks associated with carpal tunnel syndrome surgery include:-
- Nerve damage
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Scarring
One must inform the doctor immediately if there is persistent pain, high fever, and fluid discharge from the wound.
Rehabilitative exercises are important for recovery and must at all costs be done.
How can MyMedTrip.com help you?
If you have decided to travel to India for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment, you may email us at hi@mymedtrip.com. The first consultation arranged by us is free of cost! We also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.
Throughout the journey, you shall be provided with one of our staff members for proper guidance through linguistic barriers, even though most of the hospitals and doctors we feature are well versed with English, Bengali, Russian and Arabic.
If you have any further queries or questions related to carpal tunnel syndrome treatment services in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Carpal tunnel syndrome
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition of the hand which occurs when the median nerve is compressed.
Where is the carpal tunnel located?te Ligament Located?
The carpal tunnel is located on the underside of the wrist and connects the wrist to the forearm. This tunnel comprises two layers within which are enclosed nine tendons and the median nerve.
Where is the median nerve located?
The median nerve, after passing through the carpal tunnel, gets divided into two sections. They are known as recurrent branch and palmar digital nerves.
What is the function of carpal tunnel?
The carpal tunnel functions to protect the tendons and the median nerve from any injury. It also protects the median nerves that connect the hand to the Central Nervous System relaying information such as sensation to the brain.
What are the symptoms for carpal tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is most commonly symptomized by pain, tingling sensation in fingers, numbness in fingers, tingling sensation in arms, and numbness in arms.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by an X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and electromyogram.
What is the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated by nonsurgical methods such as anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle changes, exercises, and wrist splints. Surgical intervention is the last option.
What is the surgery name for carpal tunnel syndrome?
The surgical name for carpal tunnel syndrome is called carpal tunnel release.
Under what kind of anesthesia does the surgery convene?
The carpal tunnel release surgery conveines under a local anesthesia
How to prepare for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery?
One must refrain from alcohol consumption, avoid taking any blood thinning agents, avoid medications such as painkillers, and refrain from any solid or linduidified food from the night before surgery.
What are the risks of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The risks of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery include nerve damage, infection, excessive bleeding, and scarring.
