Carpal tunnel syndrome can make simple daily tasks agonizing. Numb, tingling fingers and searing wrist pain may wake you at night and disrupt your work and hobbies. Even a short drive can become difficult when gripping the steering wheel causes aches.
You don’t have to suffer through carpal tunnel’s frustrating, debilitating symptoms any longer. Dr. Bimpe Ayeni, an acclaimed plastic surgeon in Toronto, offers personalized carpal tunnel treatment with compassionate, meticulous care.
With advanced surgical techniques and a patient-first approach, Dr. Ayeni can help you find relief from carpal tunnel syndrome once and for all. You’ll be able to regain strength and comfort in your hands to pursue all the activities you love pain-free.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a focal mononeuropathy condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed or irritated. About 90% of all neuropathy cases are CTS. This important nerve controls sensation and movement for the hand.
Compression of the median nerve results in common symptoms such as:
- Numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger
- Weakened grip strength
- Wrist pain that may radiate up the forearm
- Fingers feeling swollen even though no swelling is apparent
Risk Factors
The key risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include:
| Anatomical factors | A wrist fracture or dislocation can alter the space within the carpal tunnel by narrowing the width of the carpal tunnel. |
| Gender | Women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men, which may be due to women naturally having a smaller carpal tunnel size compared to men. |
| Underlying medical conditions | Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, amyloidosis, and gout are associated with an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. |
| Repetitive hand motions | Occupations that involve repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing, working on assembly lines, cashiering, and frequent use of hand tools that vibrate, can increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Playing musical instruments repetitively can also increase risk. |
| Family history | A genetic predisposition leading to a naturally smaller carpal tunnel space can run in families, increasing risk. |
| Pregnancy | Carpal tunnel syndrome can develop during pregnancy due to fluid retention compressing the median nerve. |
| Trauma | Injuries to the wrist like fractures, sprains, or any swelling or inflammation of structures within the wrist and carpal tunnel can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. |
| Other | Increased age, kidney dialysis, tumors compressing the carpal tunnel, and inflammatory conditions like arthritis or tenosynovitis can also increase carpal tunnel syndrome risk. |
If simple home treatments don’t resolve symptoms within 2-3 months, you may require carpal tunnel release surgery. Seeking treatment in the early stages gives you the best chance of full recovery.
Carpal Tunnel Treatment Approaches
Dr. Ayeni tailors your treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and your lifestyle. She will discuss both non-surgical and surgical options and provide recommendations to help you make the most informed decision.
Initial treatment options that may provide relief include:
- Wrist splinting, especially at night
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel
- Activity modification
- Physical/occupational therapy
For patients who do not experience sufficient relief from conservative treatment, Dr. Ayeni provides surgical options such as:
- Open carpal tunnel release
- Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
- Revision surgery if a previous carpal tunnel release was unsuccessful
With Dr. Ayeni’s world-class expertise, you can achieve the look you’ve always wanted. Let’s make it happen together.
Why Choose Surgery with Dr. Ayeni?
Carpal tunnel surgery is a short procedure that can provide immense relief from debilitating hand and wrist pain. There are two main surgical techniques, open and endoscopic release, both of which have excellent long-term results.
Over 90% of patients report satisfaction after carpal tunnel surgery, with significant improvement in their symptoms and ability to use their hands. For those suffering from ongoing numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain, surgery can be life-changing.
Choosing an experienced, meticulous surgeon like Dr. Ayeni further optimizes the likelihood of a successful outcome. Her elite training, refined techniques, and commitment to patient-centered care help ensure patients gain significant relief from their carpal tunnel syndrome.
Our Carpal Tunnel Release Techniques
- Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
This technique has been performed for decades with consistently positive results. It involves making a 2-3 inch incision in the palm to clearly see and cut the transverse carpal ligament.
| Benefits | Potential downsides |
| Direct visualization of anatomy for precision | Longer, more visible scar |
| Typically more complete release of the ligament | Longer recovery time |
| Shorter surgery time | Possible scar tenderness |
| Usually able to return to work within 4-6 weeks |
Overall, open carpal tunnel surgery provides reliable relief of symptoms and is a good option for many patients.
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release utilizes a tiny camera and tools inserted through 1-2 small incisions. This technique provides similar results but with minimal scarring.
| Benefits | Potential downsides |
| Tiny incision sites for minimal scarring | Less direct visualization of anatomy |
| Faster recovery with less pain | Higher risk of incomplete release |
| Quicker return to work and activities | Longer surgical time |
| Lower risk of scar tenderness | Higher cost with specialized equipment |
Patients with demanding hand-intensive occupations are often good candidates for endoscopic surgery to enable a quicker recovery.
Dr. Ayeni will help you determine if open or endoscopic surgery is better for your individual situation.
- Revision Surgery
For patients who experience ongoing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms after previous surgery by another physician, Dr. Ayeni can perform revision surgery.
This involves re-exploring the carpal tunnel to check for incomplete release of the transverse carpal ligament. Any adhesions or scar tissue compressing the median nerve are also removed.
Revision surgery provides a second chance at finding carpal tunnel relief when the first surgery was not fully successful.
Surgical Precision and Care from Dr. Ayeni
With undergraduate studies at Yale, a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia, and medical training at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Ayeni has a strong educational foundation.
Her specialization in plastic and cosmetic surgery was completed through residency at McMaster University. She then received the honor of a Fellowship at Harvard, training under world-class surgeons.
Dr. Ayeni is board certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She currently serves as Head of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Southlake Regional Health Centre.
With her Ivy League pedigree and dedication to continuous learning, Dr. Ayeni provides unmatched expertise.
With her hard work ethic and technical skills, Dr. Ayeni meticulously performs each surgery using an individualized approach. Patients appreciate her honesty about recovery timelines and diligent focus on their optimal outcome.
Dr. Ayeni’s warm, personable approach puts patients at ease from the very first meeting. She takes time to answer all questions thoroughly and ensures you feel supported throughout treatment. Her calming demeanor remains steady before, during, and after surgery.
Recovery After Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Understanding what to expect during recovery can help you prepare both logistically and emotionally. Here is an overview:
- The surgery takes 15-45 minutes depending on technique. You will remain comfortable under either general or local anesthesia. After surgery you will spend about 30 minutes in the recovery room before going home.
- It is normal for your hand and fingers to feel numb or tingly due to the local anesthetic. This will gradually wear off over several hours. Your palm may be tender, swollen or bruised for the first week.
- Dr Ayeni will place a soft padded splint on your wrist and instruct you to also wear a rigid splint at night for 4-6 weeks to allow healing. Pain medication will be prescribed to keep you comfortable.
- You can expect noticeable symptom improvement after several weeks, though maximal recovery takes 2-3 months. Hand therapy often helps strengthen the muscles and regain flexibility.
- Dr. Ayeni will see you for follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing well and on track with your recovery plan.
Dr. Ayeni combines technical skill with an artistic eye to deliver natural-looking results. Ready to see the new you?
Get Relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and have not found relief from non-surgical treatments, surgery may be your next step. Dr. Bimpe Ayeni has the elite skills, experience, and comforting bedside manner to help resolve your hand and wrist pain.
Book a consultation today to meet with Dr. Ayeni and discuss whether carpal tunnel surgery is your best option. She will explain which technique she recommends based on your unique needs.
Get in touch today to take the first step toward feeling better and regaining optimal hand function!
