Frequent tingling in the fingers is often considered a minor complaint. However, this symptom can be linked to various underlying health issues. One of the most common causes is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition that occurs due to pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. CTS is commonly experienced by individuals who perform repetitive hand movements and requires proper treatment to prevent further progression.
At Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, the management of carpal tunnel syndrome is handled by an experienced orthopedic specialist, dr. Jecky Chandra, M.Kes, Sp.OT (K), CIPS, AIFO-K. He has expertise in treating CTS using the WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) technique, a surgical method that allows patients to remain awake throughout the procedure.
Contents
Tingling Fingers as a Symptom of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In addition to frequent tingling in the fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome may also cause other symptoms affecting the hand and wrist, including:
- Numbness or loss of sensation, especially in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger
- Recurrent tingling sensations
- A burning feeling in certain areas of the hand
- Pain in the hand or wrist that may radiate up the arm
CTS occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. This condition is often associated with repetitive hand movements, such as prolonged typing or the use of manual tools.
In many cases, CTS symptoms tend to worsen at night, which can interfere with comfort and sleep quality.
Getting to Know dr. Jecky and the WALANT Technique for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Dr. Jecky is a consultant orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, upper limb, and microsurgery, with extensive expertise in orthopedic care. Among his various competencies, the WALANT technique is one of the leading approaches frequently used to treat conditions affecting the hand and wrist.
WALANT is a surgical technique for the hand, wrist, and fingers that is performed while the patient remains awake. Before the procedure begins, local anesthesia is administered to numb the surgical area.
With WALANT, the procedure is carried out without the use of a tourniquet or general anesthesia. Instead, a specific combination of medications is used to ensure the patient feels no pain during the surgery, despite being fully conscious.
In certain cases, such as trigger finger or stiff fingers that are difficult to bend, surgical intervention on the tendon—either repair or repositioning—is required. By using the WALANT technique, patients can actively interact during the procedure, allowing the surgeon to accurately assess tendon tension, ensuring it is neither too tight nor too loose.
If the surgery were performed under general anesthesia, the patient would be unable to provide real-time feedback, potentially affecting the surgical outcome. Therefore, WALANT is considered an effective approach for achieving more optimal results in selected cases.
Conditions That Can Be Treated with WALANT
The WALANT technique plays a significant role in restoring optimal hand and finger function, allowing patients to regain normal hand use after injury. This approach is highly effective in managing various hand disorders that affect motor function, including grip strength, finger flexibility, and finger coordination.
Optimal hand function recovery is particularly crucial for individuals whose activities rely heavily on hand performance. This includes athletes involved in sports such as tennis, badminton, and basketball, as well as artists and musicians—such as piano, guitar, or violin players—who require precise finger strength and coordination.
In addition to treating trigger finger or finger stiffness, WALANT can also be used to manage various other hand and wrist conditions, including:
- Nerve compression
- Tendon disorders and tendon repair
- Carpal tunnel release
- Trigger finger release
- Finger sensory block
- Soft tissue lesions of the fingers
- PIP fusion (surgical straightening and fusion of finger joints)
- Thumb MCP fusion (fusion of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb)
- Collateral ligament tears of the metacarpophalangeal joint
- Dupuytren’s contracture (a condition causing fingers to bend toward the palm)
- Flexor tendon repair
- Ligament repair
- Fracture fixation to stabilize broken or cracked bones
- Arthritis or joint inflammation
- Removal of masses or lumps
With its broad range of indications and minimally invasive approach, WALANT has become one of the leading techniques for effectively treating various hand and finger conditions.
Schedule of dr. Jecky, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
dr. Jecky Chandra, M.Kes, Sp.OT (K), CIPS, AIFO-K is available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on the following schedule:
- Monday: 08.00 – 12.00
- Tuesday: 08.00 – 12.00
- Wednesday: 13.00 – 17.00
- Thursday: 13.00 – 17.00
- Friday: 08.00 – 12.00
- Saturday: 17.00 – 20.00
To make your visit easier, please use the WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or the Care Dokter application available on Google Play and the App Store to manage appointments, view queue numbers, and access complete information.
