Only painful deformities that do not respond to conservative measures require surgery. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs because of abnormal compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Typical symptoms include numbness over the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Pain and clumsiness can also be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. It may often be associated with activities which require repetitive wrist movements such as typing or jackhammering.
Initial treatment includes bracing and occasionally a cortisone injection.
If these fail, a simple test can be done to confirm the diagnosis and the nerve can subsequently be released with outpatient surgery. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Typically the pain is the worst when taking the first step out of bed in the morning, but then can be gradually walked off. After a full day of activity, the pain is usually worse. Initial treatment for plantar fasciitis is stretching exercises and heel pads.