Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome will depend on the severity of the symptoms.
Some initial treatments include:
- Wearing a wrist splint to keep your wrist straight and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
- Avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength in your wrist and forearm muscles.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary more severe carpel tunnel syndrome. The goal of surgery is to cut the ligament causing the compression of the median nerve. This can be done through open surgery or endoscopic surgery.
Surgery
If your symptoms are severe or don't improve with nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be necessary to release pressure on the median nerve. During surgery, the transverse carpal ligament in your wrist is divided to increase the space for the median nerve. Endoscopic and conventional open are two types of carpal tunnel surgeries often used.
Open release surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a cut in the palm of your hand or your wrist and then divides the transverse carpal ligament.
Endoscopic surgery. In endoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes two small incisions in the wrist or hand. A tiny camera is inserted into one of the incisions to give the surgeon a view inside your wrist. Special instruments are inserted into the other incision to cut the transverse carpal ligament.
After either type of surgery, your wrist will likely be placed in a splint or cast for two or three weeks to prevent movement while the ligament heals. You'll likely need to wear your splint only at night for a few more weeks after that.
Recovery time after carpal tunnel surgery varies. It may take several months before your symptoms fully improve.
- Most people are able to return to their usual activities within a few weeks, although it may take longer if your surgery was more extensive or you do a lot of manual labor.
- You'll probably need to do some hand exercises to restore your wrist's full range of motion.
Recovering from carpal tunnel surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery usually allows the wrist, fingers and thumb to return to full function. After most surgeries, you will be in a cast or have stitches in place for about two weeks. You may also need to wear a brace or splint to protect the surgical area until the tendons heal, usually for several weeks to months.
To ease the pain and discomfort and to facilitate the recovery from carpal tunnel surgery, keep the affected arm elevated as much as possible, and keep the hand, wrist, and forearm moving. You should also gently massage the scar and tendons after about 2 weeks. To prevent your fingers and thumb from stiffening, you will be encouraged to perform the following movements as tolerated:
- Thumb movements, such as clasping and unclasping your hands, making a circle with your thumb and forefinger, and touching the tip of each finger with your thumb.
-Wrist movements, such as bending your wrist forward and back and rotating your wrist.
-Finger movements, such as bending your fingers and flattening them against the palm of your hand.
You should also gradually start building up the strength in the muscles around your hand, wrist, and forearm. This can be done by gradually increasing the amount of weight you lift, the distance you walk, and the number of repetitions you do. Be sure to only start exercising after you have been cleared by your doctor or therapist and start slowly to prevent reinjuring the healing tendons.