Most people have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome in the past but many do not realize that one day, they too could suffer from it. Years of computer keyboard use with poor posture and too stress lead to the condition. Pain is the first sign of trouble but the wrists may feel numb and weak, too. You’ve taken the time to learn about it and you are not sure if you should have surgery to repair the damage, even if your doctor has suggested it to you.

Before you decide on having the surgery, think about the other possible options you have to avoid it, such as alternative treatments. They can help to reduce some of your pain and allow you to forgo the surgery for some time. There are times when surgery is the best way to go, but because it is expensive and offers only short term benefits, consider other options first.

Repetitive action is the main culprit here. That may come from throwing a ball too often or typing too much or any job that requires you to use your wrists in the same way over and over again. Because you are repeating the motion so many times, this causes the tightening of the transverse carpal ligament. This ligament has the job of holding all the ligaments in this region of your wrist in place.

Sometimes, the hands and wrists feel weak and unable to be used properly. The pain can run through the hand and up the arm. Even your fingers may feel it. The more times you repeat the actions, the more pressure is placed on the ligaments and nerves. Over time, it becomes harder to do the same motions.

Surgery for carpal tunnel is simple but can have long-term repercussions for the person having the surgery. While it is not a long and complicated surgery, the surgeon does actually cut the transverse carpal ligament and that can cause loss of strength in your hands and arms down the road. However, for the short term, this relieves the pressure on the median nerve and gives instant relief from the symptoms of carpal tunnel.

It will take about six weeks for the individual to recover from having the surgery, with therapy. There are risks involved and the benefit of the surgical procedure is not known until after the healing process has completed. Because of all of this strain, many people do look for alternative remedies and treatments before going through with the surgical procedure.

Avoid constantly performing the activity without a short break. This surgery is expensive, costing more than $10,000 in most cases, definitely worth stretching!

However, if other methods have failed to relieve your carpal tunnel pain, then it may be that surgery is right for you. Make sure you get some second opinions and know all of the conditions that apply to your surgery. Some time spent working with your doctor and physical therapist before hand can go a long way.