Hand and Wrist Care

When carpal tunnel symptoms don’t respond to nonsurgical treatment, you may consider a carpal tunnel release procedure. The specialists at California Orthopedics & Spine, offer arthroscopic procedures, such as carpal tunnel release, to help relieve pain and tension in the wrists caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the tissues and tendons that surround the wrist swell or tighten, putting pressure on the nerves that go through the wrist and into the hand. The condition causes pain, numbness, or sometimes tingling sensations in the hand and arm. Usually, the condition develops gradually, and using your hands and wrists frequently can make the condition worse. Some patients also report weakness or a general sense of clumsiness in the hands, making it difficult to button clothes or hold certain objects.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

If the condition is caught early, nonsurgical treatment is often quite effective. Changing the way certain activities are done or avoiding activities that require long periods of wrist extension can help slow the progression of the condition. Your doctor may also recommend injections, certain exercises, or other pain management methods to help treat the condition.

Carpal tunnel release surgery is also an option for more severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery is generally considered after the patient has not found success with nonsurgical treatments. During the carpal tunnel release procedure, your surgeon will widen the opening that the main nerve in your wrist passes through. He or she will achieve this by cutting part of the ligament that wraps around the underside of the wrist. This should create more space and relieve some of the restriction on the nerve.

Usually, carpal tunnel release is an arthroscopic procedure, which means it is executed using a tiny camera and other small tools, eliminating the need for a large opening in the wrist. This arthroscopic procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, making the recovery process much simpler. In some cases, open surgery is necessary to successfully release the tension in the wrist. Your surgeon will go over all your treatment options after thoroughly reviewing your condition.

Hand and Wrist Care in Marin County, CA

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome or other wrist problems, the team at California Orthopedics & Spine is here to help. Our specialists will help you find an effective solution to relieve pain, improve function, and return to your active lifestyle. Feel free to contact our office for more information or to schedule your consultation appointment.