• Home
• About Us
  • Dr. Brown
  • Our Staff
  • OrthoMissouri
  • Affiliations
• Specialties
  • Hand Surgery
  • Wrist Surgery
  • Elbow Surgery
• Workplace Injury
• Common Conditions
  • Hand Injuries
  • Wrist Injuries
  • Elbow Injuries
  • Burn Injuries
  • Carpal Tunnel
  • Tennis Elbow
• Patient Care
  • Pre-Op Instructions
  • Post-Op Instructions
  • FAQs
• Contact Us
  • test

- Select a Page - Home About Us - Dr. Brown - Our Staff - OrthoMissouri - Affiliations Specialties - Hand Surgery - Wrist Surgery - Elbow Surgery Workplace Injury Common Conditions - Hand Injuries - Wrist Injuries - Elbow Injuries - Burn Injuries Patient Care - Pre-Op Instructions - Post-Op Instructions - FAQs Contact Us

Carpal Tunnel Treatment in St. Louis: Get Relief From Hand and Wrist Pain

If you're dealing with numbness, tingling, or pain in your wrists and hands, you might be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Left untreated, CTS can worsen over time, making daily work tasks – like typing, gripping, or even holding a phone – painful and frustrating. The good news? Effective carpal tunnel treatment is available right here in St. Louis from Dr. David Brown.

As one of the area's premier orthopedic surgeons, Dr. David Brown specializes in carpal tunnel surgery and non-surgical solutions to help workers regain comfort and function. Whether you're exploring conservative treatments or need the expertise of one of the best carpal tunnel surgeons near you, our team is here to provide personalized care to get you back to work and daily life as quickly as possible.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand and wrist conditions, affecting millions of people – especially those who perform repetitive tasks at work. If your job requires you to spend hours typing, using hand tools, or working on an assembly line, carpal tunnel syndrome can make even simple movements feel uncomfortable.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

CTS occurs when the median nerve in the wrist's carpal tunnel becomes compressed. This can result from:

• Repetitive hand movements
• Medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid disorders
• Wrist injuries or fractures

Signs You May Need Carpal Tunnel Treatment

CTS symptoms can start gradually and worsen over time. The most common signs include:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, middle, index, and ring fingers
• Weak grip strength or dropping objects frequently
• Pain or burning that radiates up the forearm
• Symptoms that worsen at night or after repetitive use

Carpal Tunnel Treatment Options

At Dr. David M. Brown's office, we offer carpal tunnel treatment to meet each patient's needs. While some cases can be managed with non-surgical treatments, others may require carpal tunnel surgery for lasting relief. Our goal is to help you regain comfort and function as quickly and effectively as possible.

Non-Surgical Solutions

For many patients, non-invasive treatments can relieve symptoms and prevent the need for surgery. These options include:

• Bracing & Splinting: Wearing a wrist brace at night or during repetitive tasks can reduce pressure on the median nerve.
• Activity Modification: Adjusting wrist positioning and taking frequent breaks can help alleviate strain.
• Physical Therapy & Stretching: Certain exercises strengthen the wrist and improve flexibility.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications & Injections: Corticosteroid injections or NSAIDs can help reduce swelling and nerve compression.

When Carpal Tunnel Surgery Is Necessary

If non-surgical treatments aren't providing relief or if symptoms worsen over time, carpal tunnel surgery may be recommended. Signs that a surgical solution may be needed include:

• Persistent numbness or tingling that doesn't go away
• Weakness in the hand, making it hard to grip objects
• Severe pain that interferes with work or daily activities
• Worsening symptoms despite using braces or medications

Carpal Tunnel Surgery: What to Expect

Carpal tunnel surgery may be the best solution for long-term relief. The procedure reduces pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that compresses it, allowing the nerve to function properly again.

Types of Carpal Tunnel Surgery

These two types of carpal tunnel surgery are both highly effective:

• Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera and specialized instruments to cut the transverse carpal ligament through a tiny incision. This approach results in less scarring, minimal pain, and faster recovery.
• Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A traditional method where the surgeon makes a slightly larger incision to access and cut the ligament. This approach is sometimes preferred for severe or complicated cases.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery from carpal tunnel surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and individual healing factors. However, most patients experience significant relief from symptoms and can return to normal activities within a few weeks.

What To Expect

Immediately after surgery, you may experience some mild swelling, soreness, and stiffness in your wrist and hand. These are normal and usually subside within a few days. Patients who undergo endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery typically have a faster recovery time due to the smaller incision, but both surgical methods are highly effective.

For the first few days:

• Keep your hand elevated to reduce swelling.
• Use ice packs as directed to minimize discomfort.
• Avoid heavy lifting or repetitive hand movements.

1-2 weeks afterward:

• You may need to wear a light bandage or splint for support.
• Gradually start using your fingers and hand for light activities.
• Some patients can return to desk work within a week, but physically demanding jobs may require more time.

2-6 weeks afterward:

• Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms.
• Hand therapy exercises may be recommended to restore strength and flexibility.
• Patients in physically demanding jobs (construction, factory work, etc.) may need additional time before returning to full duties.

Tips for a Smooth Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery

To get back to your normal activities as quickly as possible, we recommend that you:

• Follow post-operative instructions from your carpal tunnel surgeon.
• Perform gentle stretching and strengthening exercises as recommended.
• Avoid strenuous activities until cleared by your surgeon.
• Attend follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.

Why Dr. David M. Brown Is Your Best Choice

Dr. David M. Brown is a leading hand and wrist surgeon near St. Louis, known for his expertise in carpal tunnel surgery and dedication to patient care. Here's what sets him apart:

• Extensive Experience: With years of experience performing carpal tunnel surgery, Dr. Brown is regarded as the premier carpal tunnel surgeon near you.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: Whenever possible, we use endoscopic surgery to reduce downtime and scarring.
• Comprehensive Care for Workers' Comp Patients: We understand the challenges of work-related injuries and provide expert guidance to help you return to your job safely.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Every patient is different, and we tailor your carpal tunnel treatment to meet your needs.

Get Effective Carpal Tunnel Treatment

Don't let carpal tunnel syndrome take control of your life. Whether you need non-surgical treatment or carpal tunnel surgery, getting treatment early can make all the difference in your recovery.

At the office of Dr. David M. Brown, we specialize in common conditions involving the hand, wrist, and elbow and provide treatment for patients with work-related injuries. As one of the best carpal tunnel surgeons near you, Dr. Brown offers personalized treatment plans to get you back to work and daily life as quickly and safely as possible.