Carpal Tunnel Stages

Typically, treatment for carpal tunnel can be done without the need for surgery; however, in the advanced stages of carpal tunnel when non-surgical treatments have failed, surgery may be required.

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome will generally only be considered under certain conditions which include severe pain which is experienced for six months or more, when non-surgical methods of treatment have been unsuccessful for a period of five years or more, or if there is a potential for permanent damage of the median nerve. When an individual is experiencing the advanced stages of carpal tunnel, they are often times disabled and are unable to work or perform typical everyday tasks.

Symptoms of the Later Stages of Carpal Tunnel 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is generally first noticed with the symptoms of a tingling sensation or numbness which occurs in thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. When this condition is left untreated, nerve and muscle damage can occur which causes intense pain and loss of normal hand function.

Individuals with severe carpal tunnel can experience a weakness in their hands which will cause them the inability to grip certain objects tightly and they may frequently drop things. The muscles in the thumb will literally begin to waste away and the nerve damage will cause the loss of hot and cold sensations.

The pain caused by severe conditions of carpal tunnel can interfere with an individual's sleep and their ability to perform everyday tasks such as combing their hair or holding eating utensils. Having carpal tunnel syndrome may also interfere with the ability to participate in hobbies, sports, or leisure activities which they normally would enjoy. This can lead to clinical depression in some individuals and a low self esteem which greatly interferes with the quality of there life. 

Surgical Methods used for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

In severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, patients may elect to have surgery to correct this condition. The most common form of surgery procedure for carpal tunnel is called "carpal tunnel release". The goal of this surgery is to relieve the pressure on the median nerve of which there are two common methods typically used.

These include "endoscopic surgery" and "open release surgery". Typically these surgeries do not require an overnight stay in the hospital and is performed with a local anesthetic. These procedures are performed on both hands in many cases and while there is generally immediate relief from carpal tunnel symptoms, the recovery from these surgeries can take months. 

In some cases the complication of an infection may occur which will increase the amount of recovery time. Other complications may include nerve damage, pain in the area of the scar, and stiffness. Some individuals may also experience a loss of strength in the wrist due to the carpal ligament having been cut.

Physical therapy is needed to regain strength in the wrist and some individuals will have to limit their occupational duties or even quit their job altogether. The majority of individuals, however, experience a full recovery after surgery with no recurring symptoms of carpal tunnel.