What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve that runs to the hand is compressed.  It lies in a "tunnel" bound by unforgiving and very hard ligaments.  If the nerve then swells and becomes inflamed, it becomes enlarged. It has no space to go and becomes compressed.
The symptoms occur most commonly in the thumb, index and middle fingers.

Typical distribution of pain in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptom Checker

Weakness when gripping things with your hand
Pain and/or numbness in the hand
A sensation of pins and needles
A feeling of swelling in the fingers
Swollen feeling in the fingers
Burning or tingling
Pain and numbness that is worse at night and when waking up

Typical symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnosis

Patient specific complaints of pain in the normal distribution
Obtain medical history
Nerve Conduction Test (EMG)
Symptoms that correlate to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Image showing an inflamed median nerve underneath the rigid carpal tunnel

Causes

Frequent repetitive movements with the hands like typing
Use of vibrating heavy duty equipment
Frequent repetitive grasping activities with the hand
Diabetes (High Blood Sugar)
Thyroid Disease
Menopause
Pregnancy
Family History

Repetitive actions like typing increase the likelihood of getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Conservative Treatment

Our doctors recommend a variety of conservative management options:
Night time splinting
Anti-Inflammatory medication
Steroid Injections into the Carpal Tunnel
Hand Therapy
Work Place Modifications

A wrist brace is typically used at night to prevent the night time symptoms and is extremely effective.

Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery for carpal tunnel release is quite easy. It involves an incision in the middle of the palm and is very small.  Once arriving at the roof of the tunnel, the surgeon then release the upper boundary of the carpal tunnel- the transverse carpal ligament.  By releasing this ligament, the nerve is no longer compressed by the rigid boundary and immediately gets its blood flow restored

Typical incision length of a carpal tunnel release

Rehabilitation

Post operative care after a carpal tunnel is relatively easy.  Symptoms from prior to surgery tend to go away within the first day after surgery.  Stitches routinely stay in for 2 weeks in order to let the incision heal.  During the first two weeks after surgery you are not to get the incision wet.  Once stitches are removed at 2 weeks, you are able to return to activity as normal!  We have no early restrictions!  We want you to get back to life as fast as possible pain free!