Prior to having surgery, your hand or wrist will most likely be treated with non-surgical options. Changes to your work environment or wearing a brace or a cast may help alleviate pain. Many patients find that their symptoms improve from a treatment plan using one or more of these options:

• Over-the-counter medications
• Occupational therapy with one of our certified hand therapists
• Changes to your workspace
• Wrist splints or steroid injections in the wrist to relieve pain

Over time, prolonged positions, such as typing on a keyboard, can cause swelling along the carpal tunnel. This narrow passageway allows nerves and tendons to reach your fingers. Swelling can press down on the nerve, resulting in feeling pain in the hands, numbness or tingling with activity, cramping or difficulty performing routine tasks.

If hand surgery is needed, this will be performed as an outpatient procedure. During a carpal tunnel release, a hand surgeon cuts through the ligament that is pressing down on the carpal tunnel. This provides more room for the median nerve and tendons passing through the tunnel, bringing pain relief and better function. Post surgery, our physical therapy staff will work with you closely to get your hands and wrists feeling strong and pain-free.