The carpal tunnel in your wrist contains several tendons along with the median nerve, which controls feeling and movement in your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. When there is pressure on the median nerve, this condition is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. It is often caused by continuous, repetitive motion, but may also be present as a result of rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, diabetes, or pregnancy.

During carpal tunnel surgery, one of our board-certified surgeons cuts through the ligament located over top of the carpal tunnel. This provides more room for the tendons and median nerve, thereby alleviating some of the pressure that leads to pain and inflammation.

Carpal tunnel surgery can be a viable treatment option when other conventional methods have failed. It often provides relief for those who are having difficulty moving their fingers or grasping objects as well.

Those who have tried other treatment options, such as rest, performing hand exercises, or taking over-the-counter medication, yet have not experienced relief from their symptoms may want to consider carpal tunnel surgery. However, pregnant patients are advised against having surgery, since anesthesia can harm an unborn baby. The good news is that when carpal tunnel is a result of pregnancy, the condition often goes away after delivery.

Before carpal tunnel surgery, you should:

1) Have blood work performed if recommended by your surgeon
2) Stop smoking
3) Refrain from taking any medications that might interfere with anesthesia. This includes over-the-counter medications such as aspirin that thin the blood.
4) Avoid eating or drinking anything for 10 to 12 hours leading up to your appointment.

Your surgery will be performed on an outpatient basis using only local anesthesia. One of two methods may be used:

-- Traditional carpal tunnel release surgery, which involves making an incision in the wrist in order to access the ligament atop the carpal tunnel.
--Endoscopic surgery, a procedure in which a thin, tiny camera attached to a tube is inserted through the wrist to guide the surgeon. This requires two incisions, each of which are typically the size of a slit.
After the ligament is cut, your outer skin is sewed shut, and you are then free to leave our office.

You may need to wear a splint for around two weeks following surgery. Once the splint is removed, you could also require physical therapy to help you fully regain the use of your hands.

It is not possible to determine how long your results might last. Many people who have successfully undergone carpal tunnel surgery in the past wind up experiencing symptoms again some time later. Experts believe that some people have a smaller-than-average carpal tunnel, making them predisposed to this condition. You might also experience carpal tunnel again in the future if you have an underlying health condition that puts you at risk for it.

Because you may have different needs than any other patient, we will not be able to discuss the exact cost with you until after your consultation. Cash, personal checks, and credit cards are always accepted for any of the procedures we offer, and many of our patients will also qualify for low-interest financing.