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HAND SURGERY

Relieve numbness and pain with a Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

 
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WHY UNDERGO CARPAL TUNNEL SURGERY?

Benefits of Carpal Tunnel
Release Surgery

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very common hand ailment. Symptoms like numbness and pain can occur in the hand when swelling of the tissues within the carpal tunnel in the wrist press on the median nerve, which runs into the thumb and several fingers of the hand. Surgery can decompress this nerve returning function and comfort to most patients. 

Dr. Okada Surgery Options Preparation FAQs

 

Haruko Okada, MD

Physician & Owner, Stratus Plastic Surgery

Dr. Okada is an American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified hand surgeon with Subspecialty Certification in Surgery of the Hand (SOTH, formerly CAQ) and years of experience relieving pain for patients suffering from symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If non-surgical treatments haven’t relieved your pain, there are surgical options available. 

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Options for Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

 

Dr. Okada performs open carpal tunnel release surgery. In open carpal tunnel release, she makes a small incision in the palm of the hand to perform the surgery. 

 

 Preparing for Treatment

CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE SURGERY CONCERNS & EXPECTATIONS

  • Initial Assessment

    Dr. Okada will evaluate to determine how best to proceed with your carpal tunnel release surgery. In general, this procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

  • During Treatment

    A two-inch incision is made on the wrist and Dr. Okada will cut the ligament that is compressing the median nerve. This will expand the carpal tunnel, reduce pressure on the nerve, alleviate pain and improve function.

  • Recovery Timeline

    You will be splinted or bandaged to keep you from moving your wrist. You’ll most likely go home the same night, and will have follow-up appointments with Dr. Okada and a physical therapist. Recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

  • Dr. Haruko Okada is simply the best! As a surgeon myself, my hands are extremely important to me, and I trust her exclusively to care for them. I also often refer my own patients to her for cosmetic surgeries, such as abdominoplasty and liposuction, and they all tell me that they love her. She has an excellent bedside manner, and she always does the right thing for her patients, counseling them appropriately before and after their procedures. I can't recommend her highly enough!

  • Dr Okada and her team were super respectful and amazing to work with. My experience was phenomenal and they listened to all my questions and concerns. I’m super happy with how my results look and recommend her to anyone. Very caring team as well. Kelly was amazing and never made me feel silly for asking a million questions during recovery. Great experience, everything was super comfortable and overall a safe space. Thank you so much Stratus Plastic Surgery!!!

  • I had an amazing experience with Dr. Okada and the all the staff at her office, it was so easy to call and get answers anytime I had questions about anything. I’m so happy with my results and am grateful for everyone’s help and support!

  • Oh my heavens!!!! Dr. Okada is simply AMAZING!! She is kind, compassionate and unbelievably talented. I cannot say enough positive things about her and her abilities as a surgeon. I am beyond pleased with my surgical outcome!

Your Questions, Answered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE SURGERY

 
 

What are the risks of Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks involved, including: bleeding, infection, injury to the median nerve or the nerves that branch from it, injuries to nearby blood vessels and scarring. There could be other risks if you suffer from certain medical conditions, but Dr. Okada will cover all of this with you prior to your surgery date. 

How long will recovery from Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery take? 

Recovery could take anywhere from several weeks to several months, and may depend on how long the nerve was compressed prior to your procedure. During recovery, your wrist will be splinted, and you will work with a physical therapist to help regain strength and motion. 

Does a lot of typing or repetitive motion lead to carpal tunnel syndrome? 

We frequently get asked whether certain activities cause carpal tunnel syndrome, but evidence shows that compression on the median nerve is the culprit. We see patients of all professions who have this disorder. Certain conditions like hypothyroidism, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can also increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Does stretching or exercise help eliminate the need for carpal tunnel surgery?

There are some exercises that can help alleviate the pain and numbness of carpal tunnel. You might also try ice and rest, or splinting the wrists at night. Though non-surgical options are definitely recommended at first, surgery is the best option when these fail to provide relief.

Is carpal tunnel surgery appropriate for women who are pregnant and experiencing pain? 

Some women experience carpal tunnel syndrome while pregnant due to temporary swelling, but it is often temporary and we recommend waiting until after your pregnancy is over before pursuing surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. 


 
 
 

Considering the next step in your journey?

Complete this form or call our office to schedule your carpal tunnel surgical consultation with Dr. Okada today.