Carpal Tunnel Release
If numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands is interfering with work, sleep, or daily activities, you may be living with carpal tunnel syndrome. At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our board-certified surgeons are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
This safe, proven procedure has helped thousands of our patients regain hand strength, restore function, and finally find relief from frustrating symptoms. With success rates over 90%, carpal tunnel release is one of the most reliable procedures in orthopedic hand surgery and is recognized for its effectiveness and positive outcomes in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions affecting the hand and wrist. It happens when the median nerve, which controls sensation and movement in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.
When the tunnel becomes too tight due to swelling, inflammation, or repetitive stress, the median nerve is pinched, leading to symptoms such as:
- Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” in the fingers
- Pain that worsens at night and interrupts sleep
- Weakness when gripping objects
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning clothes or typing
- In severe cases, visible muscle loss at the base of the thumb
These symptoms typically occur in the median nerve distribution, affecting the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the radial half of the ring finger.
Carpal tunnel syndrome often develops gradually and, in most cases, may worsen over time. Early treatment with splints, therapy, or activity modifications can sometimes control symptoms. But when these measures are no longer effective, carpal tunnel release surgery is the most reliable way to relieve pressure on the nerve and prevent long-term damage.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
For many patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, non-surgical treatments can provide significant relief and may even prevent the need for carpal tunnel release surgery. Physical therapy is often recommended to improve flexibility and reduce pressure on the median nerve. Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, helps keep the wrist in a neutral position and can ease symptoms by minimizing pressure within the carpal tunnel.
Steroid injections into the wrist area are another option to reduce swelling and inflammation, offering temporary relief from pain and tingling. Adjusting daily activities, such as taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, using ergonomic tools, or modifying hand positions, can also help decrease stress on the wrist. Over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs may be used to manage pain and reduce inflammation. These non-surgical treatments are most effective when started early and can be an important first step in managing mild to moderate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Carpal tunnel release is an outpatient procedure that relieves pressure on the median nerve, which is the source of pain, numbness, and weakness in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. During surgery, your surgeon carefully divides the transverse carpal ligament, creating more room in the tunnel so the median nerve can function normally.
Most procedures take only 10–20 minutes and are performed under local anesthesia. Patients go home the same day with fingers free to move and usually return to light activities within a few days.
What Should You Consider Surgery?
Your surgeons may recommend carpal tunnel release when:
- Conservative treatments (splinting, injections, medications, activity changes) have failed.
- Symptoms are severe, constant, or worsening despite treatment.
- You experience muscle weakness, difficulty gripping, or visible thenar atrophy (thumb muscle loss).
- Nerve testing shows significant compression of the median nerve.
- Sleep disruption from nighttime pain and tingling is ongoing.
If symptoms continue for 6-12 months or impact your ability to work and function daily, surgery may be the best option.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery depends on surgical technique, severity of symptoms, and individual healing. Most patients experience:
- Immediate relief of nighttime pain and tingling.
- Return to light activities (typing, writing) within a few days.
- Gradual improvement in grip strength over 2–3 months.
- Full recovery in 3-6 months, especially for severe cases.
Physical therapy may be recommended for patients with significant weakness before surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery FAQs
Is carpal tunnel release surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia (sometimes with mild sedation), so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Some soreness is normal afterward, but most patients find over-the-counter medications sufficient after the first few days.
Can both hands be treated at the same time?
Yes, but most patients and surgeons prefer to treat one hand at a time so you can use the other hand during recovery. In select cases, both hands may be addressed if symptoms are equally severe.
Can carpal tunnel come back after surgery?
Recurrence is rare (less than 5% of cases). When symptoms return, they are usually due to incomplete release, scar tissue, or a different condition affecting the hand or wrist. Our surgeons use precise techniques to reduce this risk and achieve lasting results.
What are the risks of carpal tunnel surgery?
Risks are very low but may include infection, scar tenderness, temporary stiffness, or nerve irritation. Our surgeons take every precaution to minimize complications.
What happens if I don’t treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause permanent nerve damage, ongoing numbness, weakness, and muscle wasting in the hand. Early treatment improves outcomes and prevents long-term problems.
Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics
- Board-certified orthopedic and neurosurgeons with expertise in hand and wrist conditions
- Comprehensive, patient-centered care from diagnosis through recovery
- Personalized treatment plans designed to restore hand function and relieve pain
- Convenient office locations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Find Relief from Carpal Tunnel
If hand pain, numbness, or tingling is interfering with your daily life, don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Carpal tunnel release at Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics offers safe, lasting relief and helps restore your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy life without constant discomfort.
Call us today or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthopedic surgeons.
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