Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common hand problem resulting from pressure on the median nerve at the level of the wrist. Symptoms, which often get worse at night, consist of numbness and/or tingling in the wrist and fingers. Eventually there is loss of strength, fine motor control, and sensation. Pain is generally not a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Early treatment consists of splinting and anti-inflammatory medication. Control of conditions that may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome should be optimized, such as control of blood sugar, treating hypothyroidism, losing weight, or delivering your baby! If symptoms do not improve, an outpatient surgical procedure to relieve the pressure on the nerve may be recommended. It is recommended that this treatment be performed prior to the development of any weakness or loss of coordination or muscle mass. When these symptoms develop, they are usually irreversible, and then surgery is performed not to resolve the symptoms, but to prevent any worsening of the condition.
Sometimes the surgery can be performed in an office setting. The procedure is identical to one done in an operating room. This procedure is not available in the office at this time, but will hopefully be available soon.