Carpal tunnel treatment varies from person to person. Some people respond well to a period of bracing or splinting. Over-the-counter pain medications can lessen discomfort and relieve swelling.
Steroid injections can also help by reducing inflammation. This is a great way to ease the pain while you complete a course of physical therapy. Working with a skilled physical therapist can help you learn exercises to help your median nerve move easier in your carpal tunnel.
In severe cases, your provider may recommend surgery. There is an open carpal tunnel release, though this surgery is more invasive due to the required larger incisions.
In endoscopic carpal tunnel release, your doctor cuts the carpal ligament to reduce pressure on the median nerve. They insert a small tube with a light and camera into a tiny incision on your wrist to view your carpal tunnel. Your surgeon may choose to make a second incision on your palm.
The surgeons use specialized tools to cut the ligament in your carpal tunnel, releasing pressure from the median nerve. The benefit of endoscopic surgery is that you may heal faster because it is less invasive and saves more tissue.
