If you've been experiencing tingling, pain, numbness and other problems in your hand and fingers, the median nerve in your wrist might be the culprit. Commonly known as carpal tunnel syndrome, these symptoms occur when the carpal tunnel, a small space in your wrist, is narrowed, resulting in pressure against the median nerve that runs through it.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Diabetics are also more prone to develop the disorder.
Treating carpal tunnel syndrome often involves stopping repetitive hand and wrist movements. Some people find relief with ice placed on the wrist or by taking anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Stretching and strengthening exercises have also proven beneficial for some. If the pain has incapacitated an individual's ability to work or perform routine activities of daily living, then surgery may be the best treatment option.
Surgery involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. The surgeon severs the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. The open release procedure involves adjusting the carpal ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel.
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for an overnight hospital stay. Before scheduling surgery, you should discuss your situation with your physician to determine the best course of treatment.