Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (and other nerve compressions)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common nerve compression syndrome and affects the median nerve of the hand. Typically people are bothered by pins and needles and numbness in their hands which comes on after activity or wakes them up at night. Sometimes symptoms can be successfully managed with the use of hand splints or steroid injections. However when symptoms are significant or do not respond to non surgical treatment surgery in the form of carpal tunnel release is necessary. This provides relief from the symptoms which is usually permanent.

Carpal Tunnel Release (or Carpal Tunnel Decompression) is a short surgical procedure usually perfomed under local anaesthesia. It usually takes 15-20 mins to perform and you will have a small dressing on your hand afterwards but will be able to use your hand later that day. You will need a dressing on your hand for 10-14 days total and can typically return to work after 10-14 days (light duties) or 4-6 weeks (heavy manual work).