Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

[Lost Dog]

I'm considering having surgery for my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I'm wondering, though, if it's worth it.

I got it from mountain bike riding, years ago. It got to the point that I could no longer ride, as my hands would be numb in 5 to 15 minutes of riding.

I'm dealing with it (a little numbness for a day after lifting, weak grip, etc.).

My doctor tells me to really consider if my life would be THAT much better if I had the surgery. He doesn't think I should have it, since I've been managing it all this time.

I'd love to be able to ride my bike again. I'd love to be able to play raquetball again, too. Assuming my grip got better, lifting would be more enjoyable.

I'm not sure that the surgery will get me back to where I was before the CTS or just better. Will biking, raquetball, and lifting just bring on another bought of CTS?

Also, the only things I can find on CTS are typing, cashiering, etc. related. Not sports related.

Anyone with experience in this area?

[BjsAust]

If you go to the very last page on this forum, right down the bottom theres a thread JP started on CTS which Bill replied to. Apparently he's had luck relieving it with ART treatment, might be worth looking into prior to surgery.

[Bill Hartman]

It all depends on the cause. If it is a true entrapment of the nerve under the carpal ligament surgery may help.

Because the nerve and its branches can be entrapped in the soft-tissues, it may produce the same symptoms and therefore, surgery will not be of benefit, but manual techniques like ART do help a great deal.

If you haven't already addressed it, night splints, manual treatment, and a proper flexibility program can do a long way to getting relief/recovery.

Bill

[Lost Dog]

I've done the splints before, but it was immediately after I stopped cycling, so I'm not sure which made me feel better, the splints or stopping the activity that was causing the issue.

What do you mean by "manual treatment" and "a proper flexibility program?"

I'd like to avoid surgery, especially if it's up in the air whether it will fix the problem or not...

[Bill Hartman]

Have you had any PT for your symptoms?

If not, perhaps you should consider getting a referral. Find someone who has credentials in ART or ASTM or ASTYM and treats a lot of CTS diagnosed patients.

Bill