Why do you have to do a carpal tunnel release?
It is important to note that the Carpal tunnel release procedure is not ideal for everyone. In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with no surgical approaches. You can use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs [1], like aspirin or ibuprofen or prescription pain drugs. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid injection and inject medication directly into your hand or arm.
Nonsurgical methods that can be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Cold or ice compress
- Splints to keep the wrist straight so that there is less tension on the nerve
- Physical therapy
- Repetitive activities, like typing, can also cause or worsen carpal tunnel syndrome. Your doctor may advise you to take regular breaks. You can rest your hands to reduce the chances of undergoing a surgical procedure.
However, if you continue to experience pain, numbness, or weakness after using nonsurgical approaches, your doctor may recommend carpal tunnel release. The chances of undergoing a procedure depends on how successful nonsurgical procedures are. Before giving you a date for your procedure, your doctor may perform a nerve conduction test and electromyogram (EMG) test to check for irregular muscle activities, a common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome [2].