What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The median nerve runs through a tunnel at the wrist called the carpal tunnel. When it is compressed there, it causes numbness, pain, tingling and weakness in the part of the hand the nerve supplies. It is most common in people with diabetes or an underactive thyroid, in women during pregnancy, in people who use a computer for long hours and in people who are overweight.
How It Is Diagnosed
After a thorough examination by your hand surgeon, you may need an electromyogram (EMG) of the hand muscles, a nerve conduction study (NCS) and an ultrasound of the wrist.
WALANT: Wide-Awake Hand Surgery
Dr Vybhav Deraje performs Carpal Tunnel Release with WALANT — Wide Awake, Local Anaesthesia, No Tourniquet. You stay awake, the hand is numbed with local anaesthetic and no tourniquet is needed, so you remain comfortable throughout.
What the Surgery Involves
You are admitted on the day of surgery. Through a small cut at the wrist the tunnel is released, which takes about 30 minutes. The wound is stitched and covered with a waterproof dressing, and a splint supports the hand and reduces pain and swelling. You go home the same evening with painkillers and antibiotics.
Recovery
- Wound check after 1 week; stitches removed after 2 weeks.
- Most swelling settles within a week, but symptoms usually begin to improve from about 6 weeks, once swelling and bruising have gone.
- Full recovery of the nerve can take 6 months to 1 year, with hand physiotherapy for 3–6 months.
- Normal activities from the next day; jogging, gym and sport after 6 weeks.
Possible Complications
Infection, bleeding, swelling, bruising and pain are the common complications. There will be a scar on the wrist, which usually settles well with scar treatment. If surgery is delayed until the nerve has been permanently damaged, recovery may be incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be awake during carpal tunnel surgery?
Yes. With WALANT the hand is numbed with local anaesthetic and no tourniquet is used, so you are awake and comfortable throughout the 30-minute procedure.
When will the numbness and tingling improve?
Improvement usually starts from about 6 weeks, once swelling has settled; full nerve recovery can take 6 months to a year.
When can I go back to work?
Normal activities can resume the next day; strenuous activity such as gym and sport after 6 weeks.
Why should I not delay surgery?
If the nerve becomes permanently damaged before it is released, recovery may be incomplete.
Related Hand Surgery Procedures
- Trigger Finger Release — Day-care WALANT release for a finger that catches or locks.
- Syndactyly Release — Separating fused fingers before age one, with skin grafts.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment depends on clinical assessment.