Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, the wrist is first rested with a splint, and anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic medications are used. Cortisone injections into the carpal tunnel with fine needles may improve the symptoms. Even if success is achieved with these treatments, it is usually temporary and the disease may recur.
If there is weakness in the hand and fingers, a marked sensory defect, or nighttime pain severe enough to prevent sleep, surgical treatment should be performed. The aim of surgery is to eliminate the pressure on the median nerve. The operation is performed by numbing the wrist and making a small incision in the palm, and it takes approximately 15 minutes. With the procedure performed, the median nerve is released, and pain and loss of function in the hand are improved. Patients are discharged two hours after the operation and return to normal life in a short time.
