Carpal tunnel: when common treatments don’t work

Lindsey Cowan, a dental hygienist and mother of two, developed carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. This common hand ailment not only made tasks like putting clothes on her children impossible, but it took away her ability to work. Frustrated with hearing that little to nothing could be done to alleviate her pain, Cowan turned to D.I. Singh, DO, MS, of Bayhealth Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.

Dr. Singh is an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in a variety of disorders affecting the hands, wrists and upper extremities. He offered a solution using an endoscopic procedure.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of inflammation and increased pressure on the median nerve. This causes hand pain, numbness, tingling, Carpal tunnel: when common treatments don’t work and loss of dexterity and strength.

“Most people with carpal tunnel can be treated without surgery through stretching exercises and wearing a brace. Wrist splinting and corticosteroids are common nonsurgical treatments,” explained Dr. Singh. Surgery becomes necessary when other treatment options are unsuccessful.

“None of the nonsurgical treatments worked for me,” explained Cowan. “I was beginning to think nothing could be done for the pain I was feeling, until Dr. Singh explained the endoscopic procedure.”

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery consists of a small incision, through which a scope is inserted and the ligament that forms the carpal tunnel is cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve, explained Dr. Singh. Compared to traditional carpal tunnel surgery, endoscopic surgery allows a minimally invasive incision, which reduces pain and speeds up recovery time.

“You can’t even see my scar,” explained Cowan. “The recovery time was fast — almost immediately after surgery, I didn’t have any pain.”

Not long after surgery, Cowan began exploring her passion for painting and even gifted one of her works of art to Dr. Singh as a sign of her appreciation.

“When I am able to help patients, allow them to work again, and get them back to doing things they love, it really makes me feel proud to be a doctor,” said Dr. Singh.

To make an appointment with Dr. D.I. Singh, call 302-730-4366.