Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel impacts 5-10% of Americans, particularly in the workforce, and proper care is essential. The experienced orthopedic surgeons at Anchor Spine & Joint offer carpal tunnel release to relieve your pain and improve mobility. If you struggle with hand and arm pain, weakness, stiffness, numbness, or tingling, call the nearest office in Tampa, Riverview, Odessa, Pinellas Park, or Lutz, Florida, to schedule a consultation or book online today.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) results when something irritates or compresses your median nerve inside your carpal tunnel, a narrow route in your wrist for your nerves and tendons to run from your forearm to your hand.

Your median nerve helps most of your fingers move and experience sensation, so any interference with this nerve is quickly apparent.

You’re at higher risk if you:

• Are related to someone with carpal tunnel
• Have experienced trauma or injury to your wrist
• Smoke
• Are obese, pregnant, or diabetic
• Have thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis

The most common symptoms include weakness, tingling, or numbness in the hands, wrists, or arms. Typically, symptoms come on gradually and then worsen.

What is carpal tunnel release?

This surgical procedure relieves the pressure on your median nerve to treat CTS’s troublesome symptoms. By making a careful incision in the ligament that compresses your carpal tunnel, your surgeon gives your median nerve more room to function.

Would I benefit from carpal tunnel release?

Your provider may recommend carpal tunnel release if:

• You experience severe, persistent symptoms of CTS
• Your CTS hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments
• Pain, stiffness, or weakness impacts your hand function 

Carpal tunnel release surgery, performed by an experienced surgeon, has an excellent track record of alleviating pain and restoring sensation.

What can I expect before carpal tunnel release surgery?

Before you undergo carpal tunnel release, your Anchor Spine & Joint provider discusses the surgery and your anesthesia preferences. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to bring them up during your consultation.

Smoking can slow your healing, so if you smoke, try to quit before your surgery.

What happens during carpal tunnel release surgery?

After you get anesthetized, your surgeon makes a small incision in your wrist. They carefully cut the carpal ligament and then stitch the incision closed.

You need to wear a heavy bandage or splint for a week or two while you heal. Some post-surgery pain is normal, but your provider can recommend pain relievers to help. Once they remove your bandage or splint, you can begin working with a physical therapist to develop healthy wrist and hand movement.

If you have nagging hand or wrist pain, Anchor Spine & Joint can explore effective options, including carpal tunnel release. Book your consultation online or call the nearest office today.