Orthopedics
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Your carpal tunnel is a narrow passage from your wrist to your palm. An injury, repetitive motion or certain health conditions can make the soft tissues in the passage swell. When this happens, they press painfully on the median nerve. Your symptoms may feel worse near your thumb. Seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms because timely treatment improves your long-term outcome.
Do I Need Surgery?
Before recommending surgery for carpal tunnel disease, your OSF HealthCare provider will likely ask you to try conservative steps, such as:
- Wearing a wrist brace that keeps your hand in a stress-free position
- Avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms or changing how you do certain tasks
- Taking part in physical therapy, occupational therapy or hand therapy, which can ease pain and safely improve the use of your wrist and fingers
- Receiving a cortisone (steroid) injection to reduce pain and swelling
Carpal Tunnel Release Procedure
Sometimes, surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is the best path forward. Ask your surgeon about the right approach: traditional, open surgery or a less invasive option that uses a smaller incision. You won’t need to stay overnight in the hospital for either procedure.
Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Your surgeon will:
- Make a two-inch incision at the base of the palm to access the transverse carpal ligament, which runs across your wrist
- Divide the ligament to create more space in your carpal tunnel and relieve painful pressure on the median nerve
- Stitch up the incision and bandage your wrist
Less Invasive (Endoscopic) Carpal Tunnel Release
Your surgeon will:
- Make a half-inch incision on your wrist
- Use an endoscope (thin tube with a light and camera) to see the inside of your wrist
- Divide the carpal ligament to create more space in the carpal tunnel and relieve median nerve pain
- Stitch up the incision and bandage your wrist
Healing From Carpal Tunnel Surgery
You’ll need to wear a wrist splint for up to two weeks to protect the ligament and nerve as they heal. After your care team removes the splint, you’ll start rehabilitation. Expect to learn gentle exercises to speed up the recovery process and strengthen your hand.
Attend your scheduled follow-up appointment with your surgeon’s office to check on your wrist and discuss when you can return to your usual activities. Full recovery can take a few weeks, depending on:
- The condition of your wrist before surgery
- The type of procedure you received
- How well you follow your post-op instructions and rehabilitation plan
Ask for a Referral
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopedic doctor at OSF HealthCare. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.