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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Hand & Wrist Treatments

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that is caused by a compressed nerve that begins in the forearm and runs through the wrist and hand. Known as the median nerve, this nerve travels under the transverse carpal ligament of the wrist on its way through the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.

Sometimes, pressure can build up in the space between the ligament and the nerve and when this happens the following symptoms can occur:

Pain in the wrist and hand

Tingling in the fingers

Weakness in the fingers

Numbness in the fingers

Difficulty grasping or holding objects with the hand

Pain that is often worse at night

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be caused by several different factors and is often caused by a combination of the following:

  • Tenosynovitis (tendon swelling)
  • Injuries (fractures and dislocations)
  • Arthritis
  • Fluid retention during pregnancy
  • Health conditions (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid gland imbalance)
  • Heredity factors

If you are experiencing symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome it is best to make an appointment with one of the Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialists at OSS Health as soon as possible. Delaying treatment may cause the symptoms to become worse. Our Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons have helped thousands of patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome return to an active and healthy lifestyle.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated at OSS Health?

At OSS Health, non-surgical options are always tried first and are generally effective. They typically include the following:

  • Activity modification
  • Bracing
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Corticosteroid injections

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that does not improve after being treated non-surgically may require surgical intervention in the form of a Carpal Tunnel Release. The Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons at OSS Health are experts in Carpal Tunnel Release and use innovative techniques to minimize surgical time and recovery after this procedure.

During the procedure, your OSS Health surgeon takes pressure off the nerve by trimming the transverse carpal ligament. Typical procedure time is 10-15-minutes and is performed using an endoscopic surgical technique that only requires 1-2 tiny incisions near the ligament. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis so that you can return home the same day as your procedure and most patients are able to return to normal activities approximately one month after surgery.