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Why is carpal tunnel surgery done?
Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome are treated without surgery. Surgery is considered only when:
- Symptoms haven't improved after several weeks to months of nonsurgical treatment. This assumes that you keep having symptoms but there's no sign of nerve damage. Nerve damage would make surgery more urgent.
- Severe symptoms restrict your normal daily activities. For example:
- You keep having loss of feeling or coordination in your fingers or hand.
- You have decreased strength in your thumb.
- Your sleep is severely disrupted by pain.
- There is damage to the median nerve or a risk of damage to the nerve. Damage may be shown by nerve test results and loss of hand, thumb, or finger function.
Nerve tests are often completed before surgery is done. Surgery is more likely to be successful if the results from nerve testing point to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
In open carpal tunnel release surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut, releasing the median nerve. The size and shape of the incision may vary.
After carpal tunnel release: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- Your hand is cool or pale or changes color.
- You have a cast or splint and it feels too tight.
- You have new or worse tingling, weakness, or numbness in your hand or fingers.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- A fever.
- Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have a problem with your cast or splint.
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.