Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The most common compressive neuropathy in the body, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is compression of the Median Nerve at the level of the wrist.  It classically causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring fingers.  Symptoms are typically worse at night or with provocative activities like driving, overhead work, ore repetitive or stressful use of the hands.

In order to improve symptoms, pressure must be taken off the nerve.  Often this is accomplished with wrist braces or splints, steroid injections around the nerve, or with decompression surgery (carpal tunnel release).

Results of surgery tend to be excellent with 90-95% cure rate.  Patients are back to light activity immediately following surgery and can shower 24 hours afterward.  Return to full heavy activity is usually achieved by 4 weeks postoperatively.