General Orthopaedic
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is it?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)is a common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist, called the carpal tunnel.
The median nerve supplies sensation to your:
Thumb
Index finger
Middle finger
Half of the ring finger
It also controls some of the muscles in the forearm and hand.
When the nerve is compressed, it can lead to abnormal sensation or weakness.
What symptoms could you be experiencing?
You may notice:
Tinging or ‘pins and needles’
Burning pain in the hand or wrist
Numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers
Needing to shake your hand to relieve the symptoms
Difficulty gripping objects
Dropping objects
Symptoms often worse:
Using a keyboard
Holding a phone
While driving
At night
What management options are available?
At home:
Taking breaks between repetitive movements, especially those that require bending the wrist
Cold packs
Wrist splinting
Medical:
Corticosteroid injections
NSAIDs
Surgical:
Carpal Tunnel release surgery to permanently release the pressure on the median nerve
Bunion (Hallux Valgus)
What is it?
A bunion, also called hallux valgus, is a bony lump that forms at the base of the big toe. It develops when the big toe gradually moves towards the second toe, causing the joint of the big toe to stick out.
What symptoms could you be experiencing?
Overtime, the bunion can lead to:
Pain around the joint
Redness or swelling
Difficulty wearing shoes
Calluses between the first and second toes
Limited movement of the first two
Pain when walking or standing for long periods
What management options are available?
Treatment aims to reduce pain and improve function, but the bunion itself does not usually disappear without surgery.
At home:
Wear appropriate footwear that is comfortable and supportive
Avoid high heels or narrow pointed shoes
Avoid shoes that squeeze the toes
Padding and toe spacers may reduce pressure and improve comfort
Cold pack if area is painful or swollen
Medical:
Paracetamol or NSAIDs
Surgical:
Surgery, called a bunionectomy, is the only method to physically fix the deformity.
It may be recommended if:
Pain is severe despite the nonsurgical management
Walking becomes difficult
Shoes are difficulty to wear
The deformity if progressing
What management options are available?
Treatment aims to reduce pain and improve function, but the bunion itself does not usually disappear without surgery.
At home:
Wear appropriate footwear that is comfortable and supportive
Avoid high heels or narrow pointed shoes
Avoid shoes that squeeze the toes
Padding and toe spacers may reduce pressure and improve comfort
Cold pack if area is painful or swollen
Medical:
Paracetamol or NSAIDs
Surgical:
Surgery, called a bunionectomy, is the only method to physically fix the deformity.
It may be recommended if:
Pain is severe despite the nonsurgical management
Walking becomes difficult
Shoes are difficulty to wear
The deformity if progressing
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surgeon in Melbourne and Northern Victoria
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