Recommended carpal tunnel surgeons in Bristol

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) develops when the median nerve in your wrist is compressed. This – along with others – is a nerve that controls much of the feeling in the palmar aspect (the surface) and movement in the hands.

The median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage in the median nerve made up of small bones and soft tissue. This tunnel acts as a pulley for the tendons that bend the fingers.

According to the Royal College of Surgeons, CTS affects 7-16% of the UK population.¹

Whether you’re looking for private carpal tunnel surgery or NHS treatment for your carpal tunnel syndrome, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green is ready to help.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel patients typically report symptoms in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. While pain and discomfort occur at any time during the day, lots of patients have reported feeling symptoms worsen at night.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can include:

• numbness and tingling
• pins and needles in the hand
• weakness in the thumb
• weakness in hand grip
• clumsiness of hand
• dull ache in the hand or arm
• discomfort, especially at night
• sensitivity to touch.

Causes and risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome

Despite numerous studies and research projects, the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome in the hand and wrist are still fairly mysterious. We do know that women are three times more likely than men to suffer with it, possibly because the space for the nerve is smaller.²

Otherwise, the following are considered contributing factors to the condition:

• a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome
• injury to the wrist
• pregnancy
• conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
• repetitive use of the hand(s).

Treatment options for carpal tunnel in Bristol

There are other methods of treating carpal tunnel syndrome that are more conservative. Take a look below at what’s on offer at our hospital in Bristol.

Non-surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel surgery isn’t always recommended as the best course of action. There are other, more conservative methods that can be effective, especially in the early stages of managing the condition.

These treatments include:

• hand and wrist exercises,
• wearing wrist splints
• steroid injections.

Carpal tunnel release surgery explained

At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green, we practise the open release surgical technique for carpal tunnel syndrome. This is where the surgeon makes an incision in the wrist to access the carpal tunnel.

Keyhole (or minimally invasive) carpal tunnel surgery is another technique but is currently only available at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet.

Advantages of private vs NHS carpal tunnel surgery

The main difference between private and NHS carpal tunnel healthcare is likely the waiting time. Private patients are much more likely to have a shorter wait than those having their treatment on the NHS. In fact, with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, private surgery waiting times for carpal tunnel treatment is just 4-6 weeks after the initial consultation.

For those looking for NHS carpal tunnel surgery in Bristol, the latest waiting times are available on the My Planned Care website.

Finding the best carpal tunnel surgeons in Bristol

It’s time to introduce you to our team! Take a look at the spotlight section below to learn more about our featured consultant or cycle through the carousel for more on who’s available to help you.

Consultant profile

Name: Hemanth Venkatesh

Qualifications:
– MBBS, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
– FRCS Tr&O, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Trauma and Orthopaedics
– FRCS (Ed), Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
– DNB Orthopaedics
– CCT & T&O, Certificate of Completion of Training

Specialities:
– knee surgery
– hip surgery
– foot and ankle surgery
– hand and wrist surgery
– shoulder and elbow surgery
– trauma

Quote:
“Orthopaedics is where precision meets compassion – healing through science and empathy.”

How to choose the right hand specialist

Looking for the best hand and wrist specialist for you is a very similar experience to being on the lookout for any other type of consultant. You should keep your eyes peeled for things like expertise, qualifications, and reviews. An experienced hand surgeon is also a must, with proficiency in carrying out the specific procedure you need. And don’t forget the basics too; have a look at hospital safety and cleanliness records to see how the different options compare.

Cost of private carpal tunnel surgery in Bristol

Ok, so we’ve talked about the condition, had a look at what’s involved in the actual procedure, now it’s time to talk money. How much will carpal tunnel surgery cost? And are there different ways to access the treatment? Let’s find out!

Typical costs of carpal tunnel surgery

If you want to have your treatment privately, carpal tunnel surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green costs £2,249. You’ll also need an initial consultation beforehand (pun intended), which will cost £95. And that’s it. Unless you need further diagnostic scans, the total cost of your carpal tunnel surgery will be £2,344.

If you want a deeper dive on the costs, take a look at our dedicated blog:

• Carpal tunnel surgery costs explained

What’s included in treatment packages?

In short – everything you need. Wrapped up nicely in the cost of your treatment is everything you need to make a full recovery. This includes any post-op medicine, equipment, or physiotherapy you might need.

Insurance and self-pay options

If you’re looking to access carpal tunnel treatment privately, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green has got you covered. The following are the ways you can do so:

• Paying for yourself – For those wishing to pay for themselves, this is done either via a one-off lump sum or by spreading the cost using a payment plan. Private surgery finance is available at 0% interest over 12 months or longer-term options from 24-60 months at 14.9% APR.
• Private health insurance – Patients can also access private healthcare via an existing private medical insurance policy. If this sounds like the option for you, you’ll first need to check whether your policy covers the procedure before getting in touch to book.

Booking a carpal tunnel consultation in Bristol

So, we’ve got information about the procedure, cost, and consultants. What’s next?

Well, it’s now time to take a look at how to get the ball rolling on your treatment. The information below details how you can book a carpal tunnel consultation with one of our trusted hand and wrist specialists.

How to book your consultation online

At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green, you can book your carpal tunnel consultation in the following ways:

• Online enquiry form
• Calling us on 0330 053 6445

What to expect at your first appointment

Your initial consultation is your chance to speak to a healthcare specialist about your issue and potential treatment options. The consultant you see will likely be a carpal tunnel surgeon – the very same one that will carry out your procedure, should you need it.

During your consultation, you can expect the consultant to carry out a physical assessment (if necessary). This may include blood tests or even x-rays. The consultant is likely to ask about your medical records, including questions about pre-existing medical conditions and your family medical history.

Recovery, aftercare, and patient support in Bristol

Before we get into specific details about recovery, it’s important to remember that everyone heals at different rates. If you’re sitting around twiddling your thumbs ahead of carpal tunnel surgery, it’s definitely worth spending a few moments of your time taking a look at the following blogs:

• Before and after carpal tunnel surgery – the benefits
• Carpal tunnel surgery recovery time

Typical recovery timeline after carpal tunnel surgery

You can start to use your hand and wrist for light activities provided there is no pain or discomfort. It is recommended that you avoid using your hand and wrist for anything strenuous (like heavy lifting) for at least six weeks after surgery.

Your recovery timeline may look something like this:

• On the day of your surgery – return home
• 1-2 days – you should be able to gently move your fingers
• 14 days – stitches are removed
• 21 days – by now you should be able to return to work (role dependant)
• One month – get back to your everyday activities
• Three months – most people will have made a full recovery.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in Bristol

Recovery from carpal tunnel surgery doesn’t end with the procedure. Successful rehabilitation plays a vital role in restoring strength, flexibility, and function of your hand.

At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green, our physiotherapy team provides tailored support to help patients return to daily activities quickly and safely.

After carpal tunnel surgery, the rehabilitation focuses on ‘safe’ movements, swelling control, scar care, and a simple home exercise plan. Most patients report successful recovery outcomes by following clear advice provided by us.

Acknowledgements

James Wood, Content Specialist