Carpal tunnel surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the median nerve otherwise known as carpal tunnel syndrome. When other treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome have not been successful and the symptoms persist, the doctor may suggest carpal tunnel surgery as an option.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed. This nerve is the one that travels down a person's arm into the hand. Carpal tunnel surgery is needed when the nerve gets squeezed as it passes through the narrow path or tunnel at the wrist.

The pressure at the wrist can make the fingers and thumb feel quite tingly and numb. Some people that have advanced cases may even suffer from frequent paralysis.
It is important to contact a health professional for a complete diagnosis of the symptoms.

It is a known fact that women develop carpal tunnel syndrome more often than men. Most people that suffer with the syndrome get it after age 50. However, carpal tunnel syndrome can occur at any age.

When various other treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome do not relieve the pain, the doctor may decide to have carpal tunnel surgery done on the wrist. This procedure is generally done as outpatient day surgery. If hospitalization is required for some reason, it is usually only for a minimal period of time.

After the carpal tunnel surgery has been completed, the hand will be bandaged to restrict motion and promote healing. The bandage is usually left on until the follow up appointment. It is important to keep the dressing dry.

There may be some minimal pain but it should not continue for more than a day or two following the carpal tunnel surgery. The doctor will instruct the patient to keep the hand elevated for about 48 hours. Gently finger motion is required to reduce possible swelling.

The recovery period from carpal tunnel surgery may take several weeks. It may be necessary to restrict hand and wrist activity to ensure proper healing.

It is important to notify the surgeon if the carpal tunnel surgery area becomes red, swollen or if there is discharge. Do not let symptoms such as fever, numbness or tingling go unreported to the surgeon. Ask your health professional for instructions regarding driving and resuming normal activities after carpal tunnel surgery.