Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist. The area of the wrist where the nerve passes through is formed by the carpal bones, forming the carpal tunnel. Only one side, the roof, of the tunnel is formed from flexible tissue, the transverse carpal ligament. These rigid boundaries provide little space for the median nerve to stretch or move.

The median nerve provides feeling in the thumb and index, middle and ring fingers. The nerve also controls the muscles around the base of the thumb. The nine tendons that bend the fingers and thumb, called flexor tendons, also travel through the carpal tunnel. Any compression on these nerves or tendons can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning sensation
• Pain
• Shock-like sensations
• Radiating pain up the forearm
• Weakness in the hand and fingers

Symptoms may come and go at first and become worse at night. Over time, the pain and sensations grow worse and begin impeding use of the hand and fingers. When this occurs, Dr. Sina Rajamand can perform carpal tunnel decompression surgery to correct this peripheral nerve condition at Battle Born Brain and Spine in Reno, NV.

Median Nerve Release Surgery Near Carson City

In a median nerve release surgery, also called carpal tunnel release, Dr. Rajamand seeks to increase the size of the carpal tunnel and decrease pressure on the median nerve. He does this using a surgical microscope.

Special surgical tools are used to divide the transverse carpal ligament, providing additional space in the carpal tunnel. The ligament regrows with extra space that allows more room for the median nerve. This is generally an outpatient surgery where patients return home the same day. Some hand movement exercises and therapy will be prescribed to aid with healing and regaining strength in the hand and finger muscles.

Dr. Rajamand will explain more about this procedure and your specific recovery during a consultation at Battle Born Brain and Spine. Contact our Reno office and medical clinic to schedule an exam and consultation when you suffer from increasing pain and weakness in the hand.