Carpal Tunnel
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. It can result in mild symptoms such as tingling of the fingers but can sometimes cause symptoms that interfere with your lifestyle, such as pain and weakness. Often, the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome can be non-surgical, but sometimes the pressure on the nerve needs surgical release, which can usually be performed as a local anaesthetic day surgery procedure.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. This nerve compression can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild tingling or numbness in the fingers to more disruptive problems such as pain, weakness, or reduced hand function. Symptoms may develop gradually and, in some cases, can interfere with daily activities, work, or sleep.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can present with varying degrees of severity. Common symptoms include:
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
- Hand or wrist pain, particularly at night
- Weakness or reduced grip strength
- Difficulty performing fine motor tasks
Symptoms may worsen over time if nerve compression persists.
Non-surgical treatment options
In many cases, early or mild carpal tunnel syndrome can be managed without surgery. Non-surgical treatments may include:
- Wrist splinting
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory measures
- Physiotherapy
These approaches aim to reduce pressure on the median nerve and alleviate symptoms.
When surgery may be recommended
If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or significantly affecting hand function, surgical release of the carpal tunnel may be advised. Carpal tunnel release surgery is designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve by dividing the ligament forming the roof of the carpal tunnel.
Carpal tunnel release surgery
Carpal tunnel release is typically performed as a day surgery procedure under local anaesthetic. The operation focuses on decompressing the nerve to reduce symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.
The procedure is relatively short, and patients are usually able to return home the same day.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery varies between individuals, but many patients experience gradual improvement in symptoms following surgery. Temporary soreness or stiffness in the hand is common during early recovery.
Post-operative physiotherapy can be arranged to:
- Restore hand strength
- Improve flexibility
- Support return to normal activities as efficiently as possible
Consultation and assessment
A consultation allows for assessment of symptoms, examination of hand and wrist function, and discussion of both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. The focus is on providing clear, factual information to help determine whether carpal tunnel release surgery is appropriate and when it may be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Making the decision to undergo surgical procedures can be a difficult one, and there are many questions you may have. Please read the frequently asked questions below which may answer any queries or ease any concerns you may have.
Initial management might be non-surgical, such as physiotherapy and steroid injections. If these fail or if your symptoms are severe (for instance muscle weakness or wasting), decompression of the nerve through surgery might be more appropriate.
The carpal tunnel procedure is often performed under local anaesthetic and as a day case. The area is numbed with an injection, and the ligament in the wrist that is crushing the nerve is released, relieving pressure on the nerve. The operation usually takes less than 30 minutes.
As the operation involves the wrist and hand we recommend you do not drive after surgery. Recovery can take a few days before driving is comfortable and appropriate.
We recommend physiotherapy after surgery to assist you in your recovery so that you can return to normal function as soon as possible but it is not essential.
Request A Consultation
Second Floor, The Jesmond,
Lyndhurst Avenue, Newcastle,
NE2 3HH
"*" indicates required fields