Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a passageway in your wrist. When your carpal tunnel narrows or swells up, it causes pressure on a nerve called the ‘median’ nerve. This is known as Carpal tunnel syndrome and it’s a very common condition. The symptoms include:

Tingling, numbness or pins and needles in your hand and fingers
Aching and general pain in your hand
Difficulty gripping things, or weakness in your thumb
cramping in your hand

The symptoms can come and go and might be worse at night.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be brought on by repetitive use of your hand, for example, if you often write or do lots of manual work. It can also be genetic and is sometimes linked to pregnancy and conditions like diabetes, arthritis and thyroid problems.

Book an appointment

Diagnosis

If you think you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, you can book an initial consultation with Mr Sarker at his clinics in Essex or Central London.

During your initial consultation, Mr Sarker will talk to you about your symptoms and assess how severe your carpal tunnel syndrome is. In some cases, you might also need a Nerve Conduction Test.

Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome sometimes heals naturally, but it can also get worse and become more painful over time, so you should seek help if you have symptoms. Treatment options often include:

Wearing a splint

Firstly, Mr Sarker will recommend wearing a splint for at least a month to keep your wrist straight, relieving any pressure on the carpal tunnel. He’ll also recommend you stop any activities where you need to grip things tightly, as this will help you recover faster.

Steroid injection

If wearing a splint doesn’t help, Mr Sarker might recommend a steroid injection that’s injected directly into your wrist. The injection contains anti-inflammatories to relieve pain and swelling.

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome

If your symptoms worsen or if other treatments don’t work, Mr Sarker may recommend surgery. The surgery involves Mr Sarker making a small cut into your palm. He’ll then cut the carpal tunnel to relieve the pressure on your nerve. Sometimes this is done by keyhole surgery by inserting a mini camera. This has a smaller scar on your wrist and no scars on your palm.

The surgery is a minor procedure that is done under local anaesthetic or under a regional anaesthetic if you have it done via keyhole surgery.; you’ll be able to go home within a couple of hours. It can take a few weeks to get back to normal and you’ll need to limit how much you use your hand so you can recover.

Mr Sarker will talk you through the surgery in detail if it’s needed and you can discuss whether it’s the right option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my private medical insurance?

Yes, Mr Sarker is approved by all major medical insurance providers and these treatments are well recognised. You’ll need to make sure your particular insurer provides you with authorisation at each stage of your journey.

Can I pay for my own treatment?

Yes, Mr Sarker is happy to see patients on a self-pay basis. If you’re looking for prompt treatment from an expert hand and wrist consultant, you can book an appointment with Mr Sarker by getting in touch directly. You’ll be made aware of all of the prices for anything you need well ahead of having them, so you can make the right decision for you.

How much is a consultation with Mr Sarker?

An initial consultation is £250, and a follow up consultation is £175. The price of any scans, tests or treatments will depend on the hospital you visit, but you’ll be made aware of any costs well in advance of any procedure, so that you can make an informed choice.

Do I need a referral letter to see Mr Sarker?

Mr Sarker is happy to see you without a referral letter, but if you’re using your insurance, you should check with them as they may request that you get one.