Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel in Dripping Springs, TX
At Greater Austin Pain Center, our carpal tunnel specialist team provides a range of treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome. Care is often managed in stages, beginning with conservative, non surgical approaches before moving to interventional or surgical options depending on the severity of symptoms.
During your initial consultation, your provider will review your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and daily activities to develop a treatment plan that fits your individual condition. Treatment options may include one or more of the following.
Wrist Brace
A wrist brace is often one of the first treatment options recommended for carpal tunnel syndrome. Bracing helps keep the wrist in a neutral position, which can reduce pressure on the median nerve and help relieve pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may help address posture, wrist positioning, grip habits, and repetitive movements that contribute to carpal tunnel symptoms. A referral to physical therapy may also support strength, flexibility, and movement mechanics, and can include guidance on taking frequent breaks and other strategies to reduce strain during repetitive motion tasks.
Anti-inflammatory Medication
Anti-inflammatory medications, including prescription medications in some cases, may be used to help reduce swelling and inflammation around the carpal tunnel. By decreasing pressure on the median nerve, these medications may help relieve pain numbness and tingling in the affected hand and fingers.
Corticosteroid Injections
If symptoms continue after bracing, medication, or physical therapy, corticosteroid injections may be recommended. These steroid injections are designed to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure around the median nerve, and may provide more targeted relief than oral medication for certain patients. Nerve Blocks may also be considered as part of an interventional treatment approach depending on your symptoms and evaluation.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal tunnel release surgery may be considered when non surgical treatments have not provided enough relief or when symptoms are severe. A provider may recommend either an endoscopic carpal tunnel release or an open carpal tunnel release. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release uses smaller incisions to access the carpal tunnel, while open carpal tunnel release involves a larger incision. Both forms of carpal tunnel release are designed to divide the transverse carpal ligament and relieve pressure on the median nerve.
After surgical treatment, patients may need to wear a splint during recovery. A referral to physical therapy may also be recommended to support healing, improve strength, and restore function in the affected hand and wrist. Your provider can help determine whether to recommend surgery based on the progression of your symptoms and how you respond to earlier treatment options.
For patients in Dripping Springs and across Central Texas, including those who travel from the Austin area, our team is here to help find relief from carpal tunnel syndrome with a care plan matched to your needs.
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