Department of
Orthopaedic Surgery
Call us: 617-732-5322
Our orthopedic team is devoted to providing the best care to all patients and prompt evaluation. Regardless of where you are in your care journey, we are here for you, both in person and virtually. To request an appointment, please call 617-732-5322 or fill out an online appointment request form. To refer a patient, please call 1-800-MD-TO-BWH (1-800-638-6294) or see our list of referral options.
The carpal tunnel is a space inside the wrist that can be seen as a tunnel from the forearm to the hand. It is surrounded by bone and a band of tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve and nine tendons pass from the arm through the carpal tunnel and into the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is an increase in pressure in this tunnel which compresses the median nerve. Numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the thumb and index, middle and ring fingers can result.
Initially, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms come and go and can be relieved by wearing a splint at night while sleeping. If pressure on the nerve continues, symptoms may intensify over time. To prevent permanent nerve damage and alleviate symptoms, surgery to take the pressure off the median nerve may be recommended.
Orthopaedic hand surgeons at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) are experts at diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome with a range of options, including non-surgical therapies and surgical approaches.
Although the majority of cases do not have an identified cause, Carpal tunnel syndrome may be affected by a number of factors, including:
Symptoms often come on gradually and mainly at night. They may get worse with activities such as driving, reading, typing or holding a phone. Symptoms can include:
Your orthopaedic surgeon will conduct a thorough examination and may need a variety of tests to determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome:
If diagnosed early, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may be reduced without surgery. Non-surgical treatments may include:
If non-surgical treatment does not relieve your symptoms, surgery may be recommended. Surgical approaches include:
The length of recovery varies for each individual. If the nerve has been compressed for a long period, recovery may take longer. Movement of the fingers and wrists are encouraged following surgery to help prevent stiffness. Minor soreness in your palm may last for several weeks to several months.
Driving, activities of daily living and light lifting may be permitted soon after surgery. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and if you will have any restrictions.
Our certified hand therapists can help reduce swelling and speed your recovery through wound care, and strength and flexibility exercises.
Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome - BWH Health Library
Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome - American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome – American Society for Surgery of the Hand
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