What Is Carpal Tunnel Release?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist formed by the wrist bones and a thick band of tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve and nine tendons pass through it. When the tunnel becomes crowded, pressure on the nerve causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger, often worse at night.
In a carpal tunnel release, the surgeon divides the transverse carpal ligament to give the nerve more room. The ligament heals with a little more space than before. This can be done through a small incision in the palm (open release) or with a small camera through a smaller incision (endoscopic release). Dr. Tucker will explain which approach she recommends for you.
Performed as an outpatient procedure at a surgery center where our surgeons operate, with evaluation and hand therapy here in our Boynton Beach office.
Who Is a Candidate?
Surgery may be right for you if symptoms continue after several weeks to months of non-surgical care, such as night splints, activity changes and a cortisone injection, or if you have constant numbness, weakness, dropping objects or wasting of the muscle at the base of the thumb. These signs suggest ongoing nerve compression, and waiting too long can limit how much the nerve recovers.
Your evaluation may include a nerve conduction study, a test that measures how well signals travel along the nerve, to confirm the diagnosis and gauge severity.
What to Expect
Carpal tunnel release is typically done at an outpatient surgery center, and you go home the same day. The procedure itself usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. It is often done with local anesthesia, sometimes with light sedation. You will leave with a soft bandage and can usually move your fingers right away.
After surgery, Dr. Tucker coordinates hand therapy when you need it. Our occupational and hand therapists, including Elise Burger, OTR, work in the same office and share your chart.
Risks and Side Effects
Carpal tunnel release is a common and generally safe procedure. Risks include infection, tenderness in the palm (pillar pain), stiffness, injury to the nerve or its small branches, incomplete relief of symptoms and, rarely, recurrence. In severe, long-standing cases, some numbness or weakness may not fully recover.
Recovery
Most people use the hand for light tasks such as eating and typing within a few days. Stitches usually come out in about 10 to 14 days. Grip and pinch strength often take several weeks to a few months to return, and palm tenderness can linger for a similar period. Night symptoms often improve quickly, while numbness from severe compression can take months to improve. Return to heavy work varies by job, typically from a few weeks to about six weeks.
Physical therapy happens in our office, with therapists who share your chart. Learn about on-site physical therapy.
Insurance and Cost
Carpal tunnel release is usually covered by Medicare and most commercial PPO plans when it is medically necessary. Some plans require prior authorization or proof of non-surgical treatment first. HMO and managed-care plans need your primary care physician's referral before the visit. Co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles apply. If your symptoms are related to your job, we accept workers' compensation and coordinate treatment, documentation and return-to-work planning. Call our office to verify your benefits.
When to Talk to a Specialist
Schedule a visit if hand numbness or tingling wakes you at night, lasts through the day, or you are dropping things or notice weakness. Go to the emergency room or call 911 after surgery if you have fever, spreading redness, drainage from the incision or rapidly worsening swelling.
