Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Require Surgery?

Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. However, surgery isn’t the first-line treatment for this nerve compression condition.

If you have the telltale signs of carpal tunnel syndrome — numbness and tingling in the hand when you wake up in the morning — don’t wait to get checked out. Getting treatment early may delay or prevent the need for surgery.

At Orthopedic & Wellness in Frederick, Waldorf, and Germantown, Maryland, our skilled physicians Dr. Ojedapo Ojeyemi and Dr. Matthew Roh can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan. Here, we explain carpal tunnel syndrome and when it might require surgery.

About carpal tunnel syndrome

This is a type of neuropathy that involves the median nerve, one of the main nerves that provides sensation and muscle movement in the hand. The nerve condition occurs from compression or irritation of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a rigid and narrow passageway in the wrist.

Compression of the nerve causes symptoms like numbness and tingling in the hand and grip weakness. Symptoms are mild at first but worsen over time, especially when left untreated.

Anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome. There’s no single cause for the condition — it may occur following an injury to the wrist or from repetitive hand or wrist movements. People with certain medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are also at greater risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you wake up with a pins-and-needles feeling in the hand on a regular basis, now is the time to get checked out. 

First-line treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is common and successful, but it’s not our first choice for treatment. You can get relief from your symptoms and reduce risk of permanent nerve damage with medical interventions such as:

• Wearing a wrist splint when sleeping
• Undergoing physical therapy
• Minimizing repetitive movements
• Taking nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Getting corticosteroid injections

We turn to surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, called carpal tunnel release, only when these other medical interventions fail to provide relief from symptoms or your symptoms are severe.

About carpal tunnel release

This surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day. There are many techniques for performing the procedure, and our surgeon uses an approach that’s best in your case. When possible, we use minimally invasive techniques for a faster recovery. 

For the surgery, we cut the carpal tunnel ligament to increase spacing through the tunnel. We provide specific instructions for post-surgery activity and care, but we may need you to minimize movement during the initial healing process and then start physical therapy.

Recovery time varies, ranging from a few days to a few months. Depending on your job, we may recommend that you take time off from work or modify your work routine to ensure proper healing following surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t always require surgery, but the longer you wait to get medical care the greater the chance you’ll need surgery.

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, schedule an appointment with our expert team for an evaluation and treatment plan by calling or booking online today.