Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Carpal tunnel symptoms occur due to compression of the median nerve that runs along the palm side of the hand.

Surgical interventions include open carpal tunnel release and endoscopic release.

Open surgery — an incision is made in the palm of the hand and the ligament is cut to release the median nerve.

Endoscopic surgery — one or two small incisions are made and a tiny telescope with a camera on the end is used to visualize the carpal tunnel. The ligament again, is cut to release compression on the median nerve.

Nonsurgical interventions include:

• Nighttime splinting

• NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories)

• Corticosteroids