Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel in Kyle, TX
At Greater Austin Pain Center, treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is approached in stages. Care typically begins with conservative, non invasive treatments and advances to interventional therapies or a surgical referral when symptoms require a more targeted approach. During your initial consultation, your provider will review your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and daily activities before recommending a plan.
Non-Invasive Treatments
For many patients, conservative care is the first step. Non invasive treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome may include:
- Wrist splints or a hand and wrist brace to hold the wrist in a neutral position, which can reduce pressure on the median nerve and help relieve numbness, tingling, and pain
- Anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce swelling and inflammation inside the carpal tunnel, decreasing compression on the median nerve
Your care team may also recommend physical therapy to address posture, wrist positioning, grip habits, and movement patterns that contribute to symptoms. Physical therapy can help patients improve strength and flexibility while learning ways to reduce strain during repetitive tasks. GAPC can coordinate a referral to a physical therapist for ongoing support as part of your overall plan.
Interventional Treatment
When non invasive treatments do not provide adequate relief, interventional therapies may be recommended. These may include:
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling and inflammation around the median nerve, which may provide more targeted relief than oral medication for certain patients
- Nerve Blocks, which may be considered when more targeted nerve-level intervention is appropriate
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal tunnel release surgery may be considered in severe cases, or when non-surgical therapies have not provided sufficient relief over time. When surgery is indicated, a surgeon may perform either an endoscopic surgery or an open procedure. Endoscopic surgery uses smaller incisions to access the carpal tunnel, while an open procedure involves a larger incision. Both types of carpal tunnel release surgery are designed to release the transverse carpal ligament and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Recovery after carpal tunnel release surgery generally involves wearing a splint for a period of time while healing takes place. Your care team may suggest physical therapy during recovery to help restore hand and wrist strength and function. The specifics of recovery will depend on the procedure performed and your individual health situation. For patients whose carpal tunnel syndrome resulted from an accident or workplace injury, GAPC also provides Personal Injury / Accident Care.
In most cases, your provider will recommend starting with the most conservative approach that is appropriate for your symptoms and progressing from there based on how you respond to treatment.