Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness, and tingling in your hand that can make everyday tasks feel like a challenge. The highly skilled team of orthopaedic specialists at Norris, Blessinger & Woebkenberg Orthopaedics & Spine in Jasper, Indiana, is expert in the field of carpal tunnel release surgery to treat and potentially heal your painful condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome often gets worse over time, so contact the office or schedule an appointment online to learn if carpal tunnel release surgery can help you.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that affects the nerves in your hand. It tends to develop gradually and get worse over time as one of the main nerves in your hand, the median nerve becomes squeezed or compressed as it travels through your wrist. If left untreated, the continual pressure on the median nerve can lead to permanent nerve damage and extremely painful symptoms.
The most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
In most situations, carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of a combination of factors. Age and gender also play a role, as women and older individuals are more likely to develop this condition than men and younger people.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome vary in severity but tend to include:
Symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen and persist over time. Pain and symptoms can get worse at night or if you spend a significant amount of time holding an object such as a book or your phone.
At first, you may find relief from occasional pain by wearing a wrist support or brace. This keeps your wrist in a neutral position and reduces pressure on the median nerve. Additionally, modifying or taking a break from activities that contribute to your hand and wrist pain, along with over-the-counter pain-relief medications, may help alleviate the inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
When nonsurgical treatments no longer relieve your pain, a procedure called carpal tunnel release surgery may be an ideal, long-term solution. During carpal tunnel release surgery, your surgeon cuts open your wrist or performs the procedure endoscopically, using a small incision and a camera for guidance. This is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.
During the procedure, your surgeon divides your carpal ligament and enlarges the carpal tunnel to relieve pain and pressure on the median nerve. Carpal tunnel release surgery improves your ability to grasp objects without pain, reduces muscle weakness, and provides a long-term solution to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
To learn more about the carpal tunnel release procedure, call the office or schedule a consultation online.
