Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition among Americans. Following arthritis and cysts, carpal tunnel syndrome is the third leading cause of wrist pain. The symptoms reported usually consist of pain, numbness, tingling, and a feeling as though the fingers are asleep. As this condition worsens, other symptoms arise ranging from complaints of hands falling asleep while driving, to dropping objects such as coffee cups.

Carpal tunnel is essentially a tightening or constricting of the ligament which presses on or pinches the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve gives us sensation to our thumbs, index fingers, and long fingers. Swelling and compression that arise from repetitive motions can cause pressure on this nerve. Repetitive conditions and swelling of the flexor tendons, along with any swelling around the wrist also causes this pressure.

Initial treatment consists of anti-inflammatory medications, wrist splints, and special exercises. If these fail, cortisone shots could be considered or a simple outpatient surgical procedure could be performed. This outpatient procedure is usually performed under a local anesthetic with I.V. sedation and can be performed under direct vision with an incision no more than one inch long.

This surgical procedure returns excellent use and function of the hand in a very quick and simple fashion. Patients are extremely satisfied with their results of the procedure. This procedure is frequently performed at the Orthopaedic Surgery Center of Illinois.