Are you noticing weakness in your grip? Dropping things more often? Experiencing tingling, numbness or shock-like sensations in your hand and fingers – especially the thumb, index and middle finger? These may be signs of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a common condition that affects millions of people each year.
“Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand problems that prevents people from doing their job properly,” says Barbaro J. Perez, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon at Riverside Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists in Gloucester.
“Every year, there are over 600,000 surgeries in the U.S. for this condition. But when caught early, it’s often easily treated without surgery,” he adds.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This nerve passes through a narrow space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, and it's responsible for providing feeling to all your fingers except the pinky.
“This nerve gives you feeling in every finger except your pinky. When the wrist swells, the tunnel narrows and squeezes the nerve—leading to numbness, tingling and pain,” explains Dr. Perez.
Who Is at Risk?
CTS is more common in women, older adults and people who do repetitive hand motions – such as typing, assembly work or lifting. But several other factors may contribute, including:
- Repetitive wrist or hand movements
- Poor wrist positioning
- Pregnancy (fluid retention can compress the nerve)
- Diabetes, arthritis or thyroid conditions
- Family history of CTS
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
CTS usually develops gradually. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Pain that radiates from the wrist up the arm
- Weakness or dropping objects unexpectedly
- Shock-like feelings that come and go
If untreated, CTS may worsen over time and lead to permanent nerve damage.
Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam and symptom review. Your health care provider may:
- Ask when symptoms began and how they affect your daily activities
- Perform special tests like the tinel sign or Phalen’s test
- Order nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function
Non-surgical Carpal Tunnel Treatment
“If we catch your CTS while it’s in the early stages, we may be able to slow or stop its progression,” says Dr. Perez.
Treatment usually begins with conservative approaches, such as:
- Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night
- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) to reduce swelling
- Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms
- Steroid injections to relieve inflammation
- Stretches and exercises prescribed by a physical therapist
These options are often effective, especially when symptoms are mild to moderate.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Options
If non-surgical treatments don’t work—particularly if numbness becomes constant or muscle weakness develops – surgery may be recommended.
“At Riverside, we use both endoscopic and mini open techniques to treat CTS,” says Dr. Perez. “Dr. Hospodar prefers the endoscopic approach, while I typically perform the mini open incision. Both offer quicker recovery times and less pain compared to traditional open surgery.”
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
Dr. Hospodar creates one or two half-inch openings in the wrist and inserts a tiny camera to guide the release of the tight ligament. This relieves pressure on the median nerve.
Mini Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Dr. Perez makes a small incision near the palm and carefully opens the carpal tunnel to reduce nerve compression.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery time varies by individual and surgical approach:
- Most patients feel relief from numbness and tingling within days
- Grip and pinch strength return gradually over the following weeks
- You may need a splint for support during early healing
- Full recovery can take up to a year, though most patients resume regular activities in 1–3 months
“Fortunately, this surgery is so effective that it’s rare to have a patient experience a recurrence,” says Dr. Perez.
Don’t Delay Treatment
CTS doesn’t go away on its own – and waiting too long can lead to permanent nerve damage. If you’re dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, it’s important to get evaluated early.
To schedule an appointment for a carpal tunnel evaluation or to learn more about non-surgical carpal tunnel release or minimally invasive wrist procedures, contact Riverside Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists today.
