Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition in which one of the body’s peripheral nerves is pressed on or squeezed. The condition can cause pain and changes in function and sensation in the wrist, forearm, and hand.
With broad and deep clinical experience, we are defining a wider range of effective nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for our patients.
Expert Care for Optimal Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Results
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the carpal tunnel – a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the wrist. The median nerve provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and first three fingers. If this nerve gets compressed or irritated, symptoms may develop such as numbness, weakness, or sometimes pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm.
In treating carpal tunnel syndrome, specialists at Carrie Landess MD perform surgery only if absolutely necessary. When surgery is needed, our experienced specialists are experts in the latest, most effective techniques, including:
- Advanced minimally invasive nerve compression surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome
- Innovative microsurgical techniques to improve painful conditions involving the wrist, elbow, and shoulder
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nonsurgical Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nonsurgical treatments of carpal tunnel that can improve mild to moderate symptoms include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication or injection to reduce swelling
- Exercises to strengthen and improve mobility in the hands, arms, and shoulders
- Making changes to ergonomics at the worksite or location of other activities
- Splinting the affected hand, especially at night
- Alternative therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and chiropractic care
Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S., with a success rate of more than 90%.
Carpal tunnel release surgery involves severing a ligament around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. This surgery is usually done under local or regional anesthesia and does not require an overnight hospital stay.
Open release surgery, the traditional procedure used to correct carpal tunnel syndrome, involves making an incision in the wrist and then cutting the carpal ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel.
Follow Up Care
Recovery from carpal tunnel surgery is different for each person. Although symptoms may be relieved immediately after surgery, full recovery from the procedure can take months. Recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome following treatment is rare, but some residual numbness or weakness is common, especially if the carpal tunnel syndrome had become severe.